By Bryan Burwell
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Sunday, Jun. 22 2008
Everything about Steven Jackson is outsized. He laughs big, he runs big, and
oh, my goodness, he talks big.
When the Rams' all-pro running back talks, the truth tends to come out of his
mouth in all of its unfiltered, sometimes uncomfortable glory. I happen to like
that about him, for what his unsettling words usually lack in diplomacy, they
more than make up for with disturbing spot-on honesty.
Since arriving in town four years ago, the man with the flowing dreadlocks has
readily spoken his mind about his playing time, his uneasy coexistence with
Marshall Faulk, his public image, his desire for greatness and his
underachieving teammates. Much to the mortification of the team's always
anxious public relations staff, Jackson has even dared to tread on the
ultra-sensitive subject of the fickle St. Louis fan base.
So how coincidental was it that in the same week the Rams broke out their new,
edgy "Bring It!" ticket sales ad campaign
featuring Jackson stomping through a full page in your sports section, the
outspoken runner was mounting an even more edgy campaign of his own to rouse
Rams fans out of their '07 malaise.
In an interview with Michael Silver of Yahoo.com, "The Train" brought it hard,
chiding Rams fans for selling their tickets to Packers and Steelers fans last
season. ("It was like playing road games," he said. "We ran out of the tunnel
and got booed. It was ridiculous. I was livid.") If you want to characterize
that as controversial, feel free. The truth is, what he told Silver is nothing
we haven't already heard here in St. Louis.
After the Packers game last December, a seething Jackson sat in front of his
locker stall at the Edward Jones Dome and ripped into the fans. "It's a joke,
as simple as that," Jackson said, the words spitting out of his mouth in
disgusted staccato bursts. When someone asked Jackson if at times it felt like
he was at Lambeau Field, the disgruntled tailback barely let the reporter
finish the question. "We were at Lambeau Field," he snapped. "The whole first
level was Green Bay Packer fans. And then we're allowing them to put up signs."
So tell me once again, what did Jackson say that wasn't right on the money
about the state of pro football in St. Louis?
Later in the Yahoo.com article, Jackson basically said there are plenty of
reasons why the 2008 season should be worth the price of admission. He said
because he's in a contract year, he has to produce. He said because the team is
coming off a disastrous 3-13 season, coach Scott Linehan has to produce. He
said because the team's ownership future is unclear, even the franchise's
future in St. Louis is unclear. All of those factors are reasons why the Rams
should be plenty motivated to go from worst to first.
Again, Jackson spoke the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
If you think this is a fool who pops off on ill-advised, selfish rants like
T.O., you don't know Jackson. He's an intelligent man who knows the weight of
every one of his potent words. When you hear him ripping on fans, it's a rant
with a purpose. It's his way of letting them know that they have to play a part
in this Rams revival, too. The Dome has to return to those Sundays when it was
one of the most imposing home-field advantages in the NFL.
When he stomped off the field during games last year and screamed at teammates
and coaches, that was purposeful, too. Too many dumb play calls and
undisciplined penalties. If he's one of the main cogs on this team, it's his
job to open his mouth and get on underachieving teammates. That's what team
leaders are supposed to do.
If you think it was a careless error for him to criticize his wide receivers
for not blocking for him in the Yahoo.com interview, you're missing the point.
I think it was a well-thought-out surgical strike and a loaded message aimed
directly at some veterans who had off years last season and are being expected
to be more ferocious downfield blockers in Al Saunders' new system.
Since the '07 season ended, Linehan has repeatedly said that he expects his
veterans to be more vocal and exert more leadership than any of them displayed
during the train wreck of last season. By simply telling the truth — no matter
how uneasy that truth might be — Jackson is doing just that.
I keep reading that interview and I can't find anything that Jackson said that
wasn't true. So how can the truth be a problem?
Monday, June 23, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Inside Slant
There's one week remaining in the Rams' OTA work for the offseason, but this week saw a significant change on the offensive line.
After working for the first two weeks and the mandatory minicamp at center in competition with Brett Romberg, Mark Setterstrom is now the team's right guard. Richie Incognito, who played right guard for the final three games of the 2006 season and the four games he was able to play in 2007, is now competing with Romberg for the starting center job. Romberg was able to play just nine games last season.
Setterstrom played guard in college and started six games at left guard in 2006. He opened the 2007 season at that position, but played in only three games before injuring his knee and missing the remainder of the season. Early in free agency, the Rams signed Jacob Bell from the Titans to play left guard.
Coach Scott Linehan said the move was designed to get "the best five players on the field at the positions they play best."
It would be surprising for Romberg to beat out Incognito, who started 12 games at center in 2006. However, Linehan said Romberg will begin training camp as the starter.
Incognito admitted to some surprise at the switch, but claimed not to be disappointed at moving from a clear starting spot to one where he is in a competition.
"It's great," Incognito said. "Whatever is best for the team. This will make us both better players. We're good friends and now we will be in competition with each other."
Incognito knows wherever he plays, he has to cut down on some of the feisty play that has led to 15-yard penalties.
"It's just a growing and maturation process," he said. "You just have to know when to choke it back. Some of the stuff is real close. Some of the stuff, the whistle blew ... I'm playing hard, sometimes I don't hear the whistle.
"A lot of the stuff is stupid, ticky-tack on my end that I need to cut out of my game to be a better football player."
Because of the mental demands of playing center, Incognito was asked if playing there would cut down on his aggressiveness.
"No way," he said. "You can play as physical as you want at any position."
He wants everyone on the line to step up their game. He said, "A lot of the stuff is just playing the whole game through and playing real physical. We (need to) have five guys doing it. That's our M.O. If they see we play hard, we play physical all through the end of the play ... there is a lot more leniency when a whole unit is doing it instead of just one guy."
NOTES, QUOTES
—The Rams were awarded quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who was placed on waivers Monday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Oakland and Chicago also made claims for Gradkowksi, but the Rams had priority because they had the worst 2007 record of the claiming teams.
The Rams have been looking for a younger quarterback, preferably one with experience, that will compete with Brock Berlin in training camp for the No. 3 job, but be able to play should Marc Bulger and Trent Green not be available.
Gradkowski started 11 games for the Buccaneers as a rookie in 2006 and played in four games last season.
—The Rams are close to finalizing a schedule of practice days with the Tennessee Titans prior to the Aug. 9 exhibition game between the two teams.
The Rams will likely leave their Wisconsin training camp the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 5 and practice twice Wednesday and once Thursday with the Titans in Nashville. Friday is expected to be an off day, although they will probably have a light walk-through.
After the game, the Rams will return to Wisconsin and then break camp Aug. 14.
—Coach Scott Linehan said the team's attendance at the voluntary workouts has been "the best since I've been here."
Linehan added, "It's a big commitment by the players. We meet in the morning, are on the field for what we're allowed, and then meet again afterward. We have to get it all in within six hours. But these guys are anxious to have a great year and the work ethic has been great."
—With all the rain that has hit the St. Louis area in recent weeks, kicker Josh Brown has sometimes thought he's back in Seattle.
"I'm sick of rain," Brown said. "That's what happens in the Midwest in April and May. I'm just glad no tornadoes are coming by the motel right now."
Brown was signed on the first day of free agency when longtime kicker Jeff Wilkins retired. Said Brown, "Jeff left a great amount of space to fill. He did a great job for a long time. I just want to concentrate on carrying on what I've already learned and what I've started to accomplish and the reputation I already have. Jeff played here for a long time, and he will be missed, but I'm kind of glad the job is open."
Coach Scott Linehan said it was fortunate Brown was available and the Rams were able to move quickly to get him signed.
"It is nice, I can tell you that," Linehan said. "I think this thing about 'Wilky' and what he meant to this team and the whole thing with him retiring with all of the emotions we went through during the offseason was sad.
"It was really sad to see his career come to an end. To have Josh come in and fill his role is a bittersweet kind of a deal, but it is nice to have Josh here. I'm glad we had a chance to replace Jeff with a guy of his caliber, that's for sure."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "That probably puts the biggest smile on my face out of this whole thing. It is going to be great being able to concentrate on kicking inside and not having to worry about Mother Nature that much. I can focus in on what I have to do rather than contend with her at the same time." - PK Josh Brown on moving from Seattle to kicking in a dome for at least eight games every season.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
MEDICAL WATCH: RB Steven Jackson, who tweaked an ankle two weeks ago, missed work this week after injuring his groin Tuesday (June 3). ... TE Joe Klopfenstein was sidelined by back spasms. ... WR/KR Dante Hall was on the sideline with a groin injury.
After working for the first two weeks and the mandatory minicamp at center in competition with Brett Romberg, Mark Setterstrom is now the team's right guard. Richie Incognito, who played right guard for the final three games of the 2006 season and the four games he was able to play in 2007, is now competing with Romberg for the starting center job. Romberg was able to play just nine games last season.
Setterstrom played guard in college and started six games at left guard in 2006. He opened the 2007 season at that position, but played in only three games before injuring his knee and missing the remainder of the season. Early in free agency, the Rams signed Jacob Bell from the Titans to play left guard.
Coach Scott Linehan said the move was designed to get "the best five players on the field at the positions they play best."
It would be surprising for Romberg to beat out Incognito, who started 12 games at center in 2006. However, Linehan said Romberg will begin training camp as the starter.
Incognito admitted to some surprise at the switch, but claimed not to be disappointed at moving from a clear starting spot to one where he is in a competition.
"It's great," Incognito said. "Whatever is best for the team. This will make us both better players. We're good friends and now we will be in competition with each other."
Incognito knows wherever he plays, he has to cut down on some of the feisty play that has led to 15-yard penalties.
"It's just a growing and maturation process," he said. "You just have to know when to choke it back. Some of the stuff is real close. Some of the stuff, the whistle blew ... I'm playing hard, sometimes I don't hear the whistle.
"A lot of the stuff is stupid, ticky-tack on my end that I need to cut out of my game to be a better football player."
Because of the mental demands of playing center, Incognito was asked if playing there would cut down on his aggressiveness.
"No way," he said. "You can play as physical as you want at any position."
He wants everyone on the line to step up their game. He said, "A lot of the stuff is just playing the whole game through and playing real physical. We (need to) have five guys doing it. That's our M.O. If they see we play hard, we play physical all through the end of the play ... there is a lot more leniency when a whole unit is doing it instead of just one guy."
NOTES, QUOTES
—The Rams were awarded quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who was placed on waivers Monday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Oakland and Chicago also made claims for Gradkowksi, but the Rams had priority because they had the worst 2007 record of the claiming teams.
The Rams have been looking for a younger quarterback, preferably one with experience, that will compete with Brock Berlin in training camp for the No. 3 job, but be able to play should Marc Bulger and Trent Green not be available.
Gradkowski started 11 games for the Buccaneers as a rookie in 2006 and played in four games last season.
—The Rams are close to finalizing a schedule of practice days with the Tennessee Titans prior to the Aug. 9 exhibition game between the two teams.
The Rams will likely leave their Wisconsin training camp the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 5 and practice twice Wednesday and once Thursday with the Titans in Nashville. Friday is expected to be an off day, although they will probably have a light walk-through.
After the game, the Rams will return to Wisconsin and then break camp Aug. 14.
—Coach Scott Linehan said the team's attendance at the voluntary workouts has been "the best since I've been here."
Linehan added, "It's a big commitment by the players. We meet in the morning, are on the field for what we're allowed, and then meet again afterward. We have to get it all in within six hours. But these guys are anxious to have a great year and the work ethic has been great."
—With all the rain that has hit the St. Louis area in recent weeks, kicker Josh Brown has sometimes thought he's back in Seattle.
"I'm sick of rain," Brown said. "That's what happens in the Midwest in April and May. I'm just glad no tornadoes are coming by the motel right now."
Brown was signed on the first day of free agency when longtime kicker Jeff Wilkins retired. Said Brown, "Jeff left a great amount of space to fill. He did a great job for a long time. I just want to concentrate on carrying on what I've already learned and what I've started to accomplish and the reputation I already have. Jeff played here for a long time, and he will be missed, but I'm kind of glad the job is open."
Coach Scott Linehan said it was fortunate Brown was available and the Rams were able to move quickly to get him signed.
"It is nice, I can tell you that," Linehan said. "I think this thing about 'Wilky' and what he meant to this team and the whole thing with him retiring with all of the emotions we went through during the offseason was sad.
"It was really sad to see his career come to an end. To have Josh come in and fill his role is a bittersweet kind of a deal, but it is nice to have Josh here. I'm glad we had a chance to replace Jeff with a guy of his caliber, that's for sure."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "That probably puts the biggest smile on my face out of this whole thing. It is going to be great being able to concentrate on kicking inside and not having to worry about Mother Nature that much. I can focus in on what I have to do rather than contend with her at the same time." - PK Josh Brown on moving from Seattle to kicking in a dome for at least eight games every season.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
MEDICAL WATCH: RB Steven Jackson, who tweaked an ankle two weeks ago, missed work this week after injuring his groin Tuesday (June 3). ... TE Joe Klopfenstein was sidelined by back spasms. ... WR/KR Dante Hall was on the sideline with a groin injury.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Game is on in battle for center's job
By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
05/25/2008
Nothing has come easy in the NFL for the Rams' Brett Romberg, a highly decorated center at the University of Miami. And now he has another fight on his hands."There's always something," said Romberg, who wasn't drafted, began his career on Jacksonville's practice squad and didn't start a game until his fourth year in the league. "There's always somebody ready to come in and test your will."This time, it's third-year pro Mark Setterstrom, a former guard who is challenging Romberg for the first-team job at center. The position has been in flux since Andy McCollum suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2006 opener after 97 consecutive starts.
Richie Incognito, now the first-team right guard, filled in for 12 games and Romberg for three that season. Last year, Romberg made nine starts and McCollum seven.Romberg, 28, and McCollum, 37, were unrestricted free agents after the season. Romberg signed a one-year deal in March; McCollum hasn't landed a new job.Setterstrom, 24, started the last six games of his rookie season at left guard and held on to that spot heading into last year. But his season ended in Week 3 when he tore a ligament and damaged cartilage in his left knee.
After the Rams signed free agent Jacob Bell, who started 46 games at guard in four seasons with Tennessee, the decision was made to try Setterstrom at center.Setterstrom has the edge in size: He's 6 feet 4 and 314; Romberg goes 6-2 and 298. But Romberg, a three-year starter for the Hurricanes and the winner of the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center in 2002, has a vast experience advantage."I've never played (center) before, so I'm going to have to work really hard at it," said Setterstrom, a seventh-round draft pick from Minnesota. "But at the same time, it's something new, it's something exciting."
After a somewhat ragged start at minicamp, Setterstrom is beginning to settle in."He's taken that role and the challenge of that position to heart, and he wants to be great at it," coach Scott Linehan said. "I think our competition at that position's going to be pretty good."Romberg, who has been working with the first unit this spring, missed seven games and most of an eighth last year with injuries to both ankles. He acknowledged that at one point he didn't think the Rams would re-sign him."But the opportunity arose," he said. "I really wanted to come back; I felt I had a lot of unfinished business here. And I love my teammates here."Some might not be so fond of him, though. "I keep getting blamed for the sand pit thing," Romberg said.
He urged the team to install a pit at Rams Park for certain drills and individual work that also increases ankle strength and flexibility. The 50-yard-long, 8-yard-wide bunker is being used liberally."It was just something that we used a lot at Miami, and I never saw high ankle sprains. I just thought it might help," he explained. "We're in it just about every day, pulling sleds, doing agility drills. It's nothing that people look forward to going into, but the work will pay off."
Neither center reported any lingering problems from his '07 injury during minicamp and organized team activities.
Training camp July 25-Aug. 14 in Mequon, Wis., will be far more demanding. And that's where one should emerge as the starter."You've always got to create some kind of competition or it would be kind of lackadaisical, and a lot of things would be taken for granted," Romberg said. "Competition is always encouraged."Added Setterstrom: "I just want to get on the field, so I'm looking forward to the challenge."
RAM-BLINGS
Running back Steven Jackson sat out Thursday's practice after turning an ankle Wednesday. "It did swell up a little bit, but it's not serious," Linehan said. ... Tackle Orlando Pace was excused so that he could attend an event in Ohio honoring his foundation. ... OTAs will resume June 3 and wrap up June 12. Then the team will break until training camp.
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
05/25/2008
Nothing has come easy in the NFL for the Rams' Brett Romberg, a highly decorated center at the University of Miami. And now he has another fight on his hands."There's always something," said Romberg, who wasn't drafted, began his career on Jacksonville's practice squad and didn't start a game until his fourth year in the league. "There's always somebody ready to come in and test your will."This time, it's third-year pro Mark Setterstrom, a former guard who is challenging Romberg for the first-team job at center. The position has been in flux since Andy McCollum suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2006 opener after 97 consecutive starts.
Richie Incognito, now the first-team right guard, filled in for 12 games and Romberg for three that season. Last year, Romberg made nine starts and McCollum seven.Romberg, 28, and McCollum, 37, were unrestricted free agents after the season. Romberg signed a one-year deal in March; McCollum hasn't landed a new job.Setterstrom, 24, started the last six games of his rookie season at left guard and held on to that spot heading into last year. But his season ended in Week 3 when he tore a ligament and damaged cartilage in his left knee.
After the Rams signed free agent Jacob Bell, who started 46 games at guard in four seasons with Tennessee, the decision was made to try Setterstrom at center.Setterstrom has the edge in size: He's 6 feet 4 and 314; Romberg goes 6-2 and 298. But Romberg, a three-year starter for the Hurricanes and the winner of the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center in 2002, has a vast experience advantage."I've never played (center) before, so I'm going to have to work really hard at it," said Setterstrom, a seventh-round draft pick from Minnesota. "But at the same time, it's something new, it's something exciting."
After a somewhat ragged start at minicamp, Setterstrom is beginning to settle in."He's taken that role and the challenge of that position to heart, and he wants to be great at it," coach Scott Linehan said. "I think our competition at that position's going to be pretty good."Romberg, who has been working with the first unit this spring, missed seven games and most of an eighth last year with injuries to both ankles. He acknowledged that at one point he didn't think the Rams would re-sign him."But the opportunity arose," he said. "I really wanted to come back; I felt I had a lot of unfinished business here. And I love my teammates here."Some might not be so fond of him, though. "I keep getting blamed for the sand pit thing," Romberg said.
He urged the team to install a pit at Rams Park for certain drills and individual work that also increases ankle strength and flexibility. The 50-yard-long, 8-yard-wide bunker is being used liberally."It was just something that we used a lot at Miami, and I never saw high ankle sprains. I just thought it might help," he explained. "We're in it just about every day, pulling sleds, doing agility drills. It's nothing that people look forward to going into, but the work will pay off."
Neither center reported any lingering problems from his '07 injury during minicamp and organized team activities.
Training camp July 25-Aug. 14 in Mequon, Wis., will be far more demanding. And that's where one should emerge as the starter."You've always got to create some kind of competition or it would be kind of lackadaisical, and a lot of things would be taken for granted," Romberg said. "Competition is always encouraged."Added Setterstrom: "I just want to get on the field, so I'm looking forward to the challenge."
RAM-BLINGS
Running back Steven Jackson sat out Thursday's practice after turning an ankle Wednesday. "It did swell up a little bit, but it's not serious," Linehan said. ... Tackle Orlando Pace was excused so that he could attend an event in Ohio honoring his foundation. ... OTAs will resume June 3 and wrap up June 12. Then the team will break until training camp.
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