2009 Rams Draft - A Look Back

Jason Smith - Jason Smith appeared to be a project to start with and still may be going into the 2010 season. Jason played in eight games in 2009, starting in five of them. Jason still appears to be more suited to play RT than LT, he is also still way better at run blocking than pass blocking.

James Laurinaitis - James was a great pick right out of the box. James filled a huge need at MLB. Laurinaitis started all 16 games and was outstanding. Laurinaitis made 120 tackles had two sacks a forced fumble and two interceptions. James needs some better cover skills but other than that he had a great year. Laurinaitis fell to the Rams as did Rey Maualuga, looks like the Rams made the better choice here.

Bradley Fletcher - With the surprising release of Tye Hill Fletcher got an early chance to play. Fletcher played in seven games and started in 3. Bradley was having his best game of the year against Indianapolis when he was injured. Bradley suffered two torn ligaments in his right knee and missed the final nine games of the 2009 season. Fletcher will try to return by 2010 training camp after recovering from a couple of knee surgeries.

Dorell Scott - Dorell did not get much playing time in preseason. Late in the season coach Steve Spagnuolo gave some of the younger players more oppurtunities and Scott made the most of it. Dorell started five of the last 6 games the Rams played recording 18 tackles and playing very well inside. I would love to see the Rams draft offensive weapons in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft, and continue to develop Clifton Ryan and Dorell Scott inside.

Foster Brooks - A preseason injury to Foster Brooks sidelined him for the whole 2009 NFL season. Brooks suffered a serious ankle injury against the Jets requiring surgery. While Foster is a great athlete I still do not understand drafting the 3rd best receiver on the North Carolina Tar Heels. As a senior Brooks only caught 30 passes and in 2007 Brooks did not start in any game. Brooks will most likely have a hard time making the 2010 Rams roster.

Keith Null - With the injury to Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller's lack of production along with the Rams terrible record Keith Null was pressed into service. For a late round draft pick from West Texas A&M, it is pretty impressive that Keith could do as well as he did. By NFL standards he failed but he did not seem overwhelmed by being in the NFL which is a great sign. Keith completed 73 of 119 passes for 566 yards, including 3 TDs and 9 interceptions for a QB rating of 49.9. Keith probably did enough to earn his way onto the 2010 Rams.

Chris Ogbonnaya - Chris had a hard time making the Rams squad bouncing between being cut and being on the practice squad. Ogbonnaya was finally given a chance and promoted to the active roster on November 28, 2009. Chris was on the Rams active roster from week 12 through the end of the season. Chris was able to get into two games were he had 11 carries for 50 yards and one reception for 19 yards. Steven Jackson spoke highly of Chris several times about his work ethic. With the lack of backup running backs on the Rams Chris will have a chance to once again be on the roster in 2010.

Rams Fall 16-13 To Texans

On the bright side the St. Louis Rams truly did play hard during their 16-13 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. The Rams were actually able to hold a 10-6 lead for 11 minutes and 32 seconds. A close loss like this one in a way is worse than a blowout because it shows that we just need a couple more playmakers and we could find ways to win games like these.

Keith Null was decent going 18 of 27 for 173 yards and a TD. Steven Jackson is simply the Rams best player and on the surface the player that cares the most about winning. Steven Jackson who had a noticeable limp in pregame warm-up and during the game in addition to his back pain and sickness this week muscled through with a gritty effort. Jackson accounted for 123 of the Rams 237 total yards. He also had time to get in a fight with SS Bernard Pollard - Watch the fight video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KqQuuFmx9Q. The Rams special teams were outstanding once again. Danny Amendola not only set up a TD with a 55 yard kickoff return he also caught a TD pass from Keith Null. Josh Brown was 2 for 2 on field goals including a 52 yarder. Donnie Jones who seems to be great week in a week out allowed no return yards and also downed two punts inside the 20. The Rams defense held the Houston Texans to 2.2 yards per carry. The defense was also good on 3rd down holding the Texans to 5 for 14 on the day. This allowed the defense to get off the field and along with their red zone defense stay in the game.

Speaking of playmakers the Texans have one of the best in the league in wideout Andre Johnson. Johnson will easily lead the NFL in receiving yards in 2009, and he will also top 1500 yards for the second year in a row. The Rams just had no answer for Johnson who had 196 yards on 9 receptions. I think the Rams were lucky since they did keep Johnson out of the end zone. Since Ron Bartell only plays left cornerback the Texans lined up Johnson in the backfield, would send him in motion and could pretty much dictate what coverage they wanted. This forced Quincy Butler and Justin King to cover Johnson quite a bit. Matt Schaub was able to pick apart the Rams defense going 28 of 30 for 367 yards a TD and a QB rating of 107. Teams have picked apart the Rams defense all year.

On the downside the Rams simply lack enough talented players and playmakers to win many games. The Rams offense is just awful. I know we are on our third QB but maybe that is part of the problem. I am ready to watch a Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen, even if we have to go through growing pains. With only six wins in their last 46 games the Rams are already going through pains so let's rebuild. The more I watch DeSean Jackson the more aggravated I get watching Donnie Avery play. Avery was once again a non-factor with four catches for 32 yards. The Rams are in desperate need of a backup running back with breakaway speed. Kenneth Darby and Samkon Gado combined for six yards on four carries, they simply are not the answer and do not allow Steven Jackson to get any rest. The defense also needs some playmakers. James Laurinaitis was a good start, he is a tackling machine but still needs to work on his coverage skills. The Rams only have 20 sacks on the season and when Leonard Little is not playing they pose no threat. On Sunday Matt Schaub was able to complete 70 percent of his passes and was not sacked. The Rams again allowed the opponent to gain over 400 yards as the Texans gained 419 yards on the day.

Houston Texans @ St. Louis Rams Matchup

Rams. The high flying Houston Texans (6-7) are coming off their best performance of the season a 34-7 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. Those are the same Seahawks that have beaten the St. Louis Rams 10 straight times and outscored the Rams 55-17 this season.

At 6-7 Houston has an outside chance of finishing 9-7 and making the playoffs. Last week in their victory both sides of the ball were explosive. The offense rolled up 365 yards by halftime behind Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. Andre Johnson is arguably the best WR in the game. Through 13 games he has 81 receptions for 1237 yards and 8 TDs. Schaub could be the best second tier QB in the NFL. He is posting great numbers this year, 324 of 473 for 3814 yards a 68.5 completion percentage and a QB rating of 98.2. On the ground the trio of Steve Slaton, Ryan Moats and Chris Brown have been disappointing but have combined for 10 rushing TDs. Slaton is also dangerous on of the backfield with 44 receptions. Look for the Texans to match him up against the slow Rams outside linebackers.

On defense the Texans are middle of the pack but are coming off their best game of the season last week against Seattle. Houston had an amazing 15 tackles for loss in their game last week. Look for more of the same this week as Mario Williams and company will try to break through the Rams patchwork offensive line to attack Steven Jackson and Keith Null. As great as we think James Laurinaitis has played with his 104 tackles, don't overlook the Texans first round draft choice Brian Cushing who has 112 tackles and 2.5 sacks. I thought last year Cushing could be the best pro of all of the USC linebackers that came out. With the Rams starting O-line of Barron, Greco, Brown, Setterstrom and Goldberg look for the Texans front 7 to manhandle the Rams. As if you want to see another piece of the puzzle the Rams are missing check out Bernard Pollard today. Pollard is the Texans Strong Safety who they picked up after the Chiefs threw him away. Pollard is the kind of hammer the Rams need. If Null hangs out Gibson or Avery today look for Pollard to lay a missile shot on them.

What can you say about the St. Louis Rams offense? The Rams are last in scoring and lately have had trouble getting to 200 yards of offense in a game. With injuries to the O-line, sickness among many of their starters, and Keith Null possibly starting don't look for things to get any better today. If Steven Jackson can not go because of his back injury and sickness the Rams will turn to Gado and Darby. If that happens the Rams may easily be shutout today. Even with Jackson in the game the Rams have score 10 or less points in seven of their thirteen games. On defense today I have no idea what the Rams can do. The front four is going to have to create a lot of pressure on Schaub or this one will be over early. At Free Safety the Rams are starting David Roach and at Right Cornerback Quincy Butler. The Rams do not move Ron Bartell around so Andre Johnson will be able to freely move to create the matchups they are looking for. I am sure Johnson is not afraid of the Bartell matchup but you have to think they will test and burn Quincy Butler all day. The Rams are several pieces short of having a decent defense and once you add the injury issue to that they are even worse. Only the Detroit Lions have allowed more points than the Rams this year.

Overall it is a good day to go see a team that the Rams rarely play. In addition you can see some great players like Johnson, Schaub, Williams, and Cushing. I plan the spend the day in the Bud Light Party Zone wondering why the Rams have not put pieces like this together? Dez Bryant and Colt McCoy, anyone?

Prediction Houston Texans 34 - St. Louis Rams 3

Rams Place Jacob Bell On Injured Reserve

Most Rams fans already turned off the Rams game Sunday against the Tennessee Titans before Keith Null's 4th interception of the day. While the interception was in a 33-7 game was meaningless the play itself was not. As Tennessee Titans safety Vincent Fuller returned the interception for a TD, Jacob Bell gave chase and pulled his hamstring. The injury was severe enough for the Rams to already place him on injured reserve. So the Rams O-line already without Jason Smith will now also be without Jacob Bell and Richie Incognito for the rest of the 2009 season.

The Showdown - St. Louis Rams @ Tennessee Titans

With the St. Louis Rams 1-11 on the season there is no longer much excitement surrounding their games. However today's contest features an the top two running backs in the NFL going head-to-head.

Tennessee's Chris Johnson leads the NFL in rushing yards with 1509 yards on 244 attempts for an unbelievable 6.2 yards per carry average. In addition Johnson has 39 receptions for 322 yards. This puts Johnson clearly ahead of the pack with 1831 total yards from scrimmage and he has tacked on 10 TDs for good measure. I don't believe people really understand how good Johnson is. This is the NFL and for a running back to have pure breakaway speed is remarkable. Chris Johnson truly has the ability to score on any play. Johnson has a league leading seven 40+ yard rushes and nineteen of 20 yards or more.

Steven Jackson is the undisputed leader of the St. Louis Rams in 2009. As important as he is as a great running back he has been equally important as the new leader and face of the franchise. In numerous games this year Steven has said hop on guys it's time to pick it up. Unfortunately Jackson has been only able to lead the Rams to one victory. Jackson leads the NFC in rushing and is second in the NFL in rushing. With no passing threat it is amazing that Jackson has been able to put up 1232 rushing yards on a league leading 266 attempts. Jackson also leads the Rams in receptions with 44 for 267 yards. The biggest question for Rams fans is will the 400+ touches Jackson gets in 2009 effect his ability in 2010. The Rams need to find a backup speed back for 2010.

As for the game today these are two teams going in opposite directions. The Tennessee Titans come in winning five of their last six games, and still hold out hope for a playoff position. When Vince Young took over as QB for Kerry Collins the Titans started getting on a roll. The Titans have averaged 27 points per game with Young at the helm. Vince Young however has a knee injury which has kept him out of practice all week and made him a game time decision. With the playoffs on the line I look for Vince Young to find his way onto the battlefield today. Chris Johnson, Kenny Britt, and Nate Washington also are on the injury report for Tennessee today.

The St. Louis Rams are once again working on a losing streak which stands at four. The Rams have only one win on the season and only six in the last three years. This current team could be the worst in a long franchise history. Without Steven Jackson this team would be lucky to beat the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Rams also have major QB issues, this week Kyle Boller's thigh injury could cause Keith Null to get the start on the road. This would not be a good place for Null to get his first NFL opportunity but you take what you can get. Many fans have wanted to see what Keith Null can do before 2010 gets here, today they may get their wish. With a lot of questions on offense and a growing injury list expect more of a very basic boring offense from the Rams who are dead last in scoring at 11 points per game.

The Rams continue to show they do not know how to win, and the Titans have to win today. Look for Chris Johnson to run all over the Rams today.

Prediction Tennessee Titans 27 - St. Louis Rams 10

Marc Bulger To Sit On Sunday

Marc Bulger has done some light throwing this week in practice for the St. Louis Rams, but Steve Spagnuolo has said Kyle Boller will very likely start the game against the Minnesota Vikings. This is good news for Marc who has a bruised rotator cuff on his throwing shoulder, because the Vikings have Jared Allen the current NFC leader in sacks. Will Alex Barron who was benched last week be able to bounce back and block Allen? I am not betting on it. Keith Null better loosen up prior to this game because he may see some action.

We Analyze The St. Louis Rams Roster Cuts

After cutting running backs Antonio Pittman, and Chris Ogbonnaya were cut the Rams are left with only 3 runnngbacks on the roster at the moment. With Samkon Gado suffering cartilage damage to his ribs and being questionable for the season opener in Seattle will the Rams pick up another back? Did Kenneth Darby make the squad based on special teams play? It looks like the Rams really have a lack of talented depth and this position.

I was really not surprised the Rams kept Keith Null over Brock Berlin. Null is cheaper, younger, and has more of an upside than Berlin. In addition the Rams have two veterans in Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller on the roster so not a huge need for a 3rd veteran at the moment.

With Billy Bajema making the roster the Rams only kept 5 Wide receivers. I was very happy to see Nate Jones make the team. I like his speed and quickness, and again the upside. On the downside the Rams are heading into the 2009 season with a very young and inexperienced group in Avery, Burton, Jones, Robinson, and Stanley. Donnie Avery with 53 catches in the NFL leads the entire group, talk about inexperience. Expect some growing pains at this position.

The Rams kept 9 on the O-line and D-line. It was a shame Eric Moore hurt his hand in the game against the Chiefs and was put on IR, I think he had a good chance of making the team. His injury helped C.J. Ah You earn a backup DE position. Eric Young (RT) and Gary Gibson (DT) are both young players that played their way onto the team

The Rams kept 7 linebackers. I was surprised with the lack of playing time Quinton Culberson had in the preseason that he made the team. If the Rams pickup a player prior to the season I would not be surprised to see Culberson let go. Nice to see Larry Grant make the team and I would also like to see him start next to his Ohio State teammate James Laurinaitis. David Vabora Mr. Irrelevant from the 2008 draft has also made the squad again. I like the sure tackling ability of Chamberlain and Vabora, they also contribute on special teams.

There were no cuts at cornerback which was no surprise since the Rams only had 5 left. At safety can someone tell me how David Roach made the team? I know Todd Johnson did not have a good preseason either but Roach was just awful. If the Rams make a roster move this week you would think Roach would get released. The other backup safety spot went to Craig Dahl

Rams Beat Chiefs 17-9

The Rams capped a solid 3-1 preseason with a 17-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday night at the Edward Jones Dome. Quincy Butler intercepted Tyler Thigpen with 2:48 left in the 3rd quarter and returned it for a touchdown to put the Rams up 14-9. Quincy made a great break on the ball that was thrown a little late by Thigpen. The Rams once again won the battle of turnovers 3-1 and that was the difference. Basically the game was no more than a scrimmage and a tryout for many of the players left on both rosters. The Rams will need to cut 21 more players by this Saturday. After tonight's play the decision may just have gotten harder. Both Brock Berlin and Keith Null were 9 of 17, however Berlin did throw a TD to Daniel Fells. Their play has been about even. Berlin has more experience and costs more so it is just a matter of what coach Spagnuolo is looking for in a 3rd string QB. Kenneth Darby and Antonio Pittman each had just 3 carries each so I don't know how you can make much of that. The Rams spread the ball around to 12 receivers tonight. Derek Stanley stands out with his quickness but he still has the drops from time to time. Stanley only has 6 catches in the NFL so lack of experience is definitely an issue as well. Justin King and Quincy Butler each had picks in the secondary. All 5 DBs should make the team. Justin King did limp off in pain during the last series of the game. The Rams allowed two big runs early in the game by Larry Johnson and Dantrell Savage, but held the Chiefs to field goals both times. Early on Mike Vrabel was in the Rams backfield almost every play. The Rams must get solid play from their O and D lines once the season starts. Jason Smith is still over matched and getting beat on passing plays. I believe the Rams will start the season with Adam Goldberg at RT. I would also like to give props to old reliable Donnie Jones who was called on to punt 9 times tonight. Jones averaged 47 yards per punt with 7 downed inside the 20! We will now wait and watch for the news on who the Rams will cut, and who they may possibly pick up. Will the Rams bring in a veteran corner and wide receiver or go with who they have? We will find out shortly.

The Chiefs finish the preseason on a serious downward spiral. Matt Cassel was hurt during their 3rd preseason game and could be out for up to four weeks with a knee injury. New head coach Todd Hayley also fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. In addition Haley has also been into it with their top receiver Dwayne Bowe throughout camp. The Chiefs finish the preseason 0-4 with only 42 points scored. The Chiefs also received no scheduling favors from the league as they will play Baltimore, Philadelphia, Dallas, and the New York Giants all within the first 5 weeks of the season.

St. Louis Rams Select Keith Null

With the 196th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The St. Louis Rams have selected Keith Null QB, out of West Texas A&M. At 6'3" and 220 pounds Null is a solid drop back pocket passer. As a Junior Keith Null set school records with 4,134 passing yards and 41 touchdowns through the air in 2007. For a team with plenty of holes this is another player that at best will be a game day scratch or on the scout team in 2009. The Rams need players now, I am not a fan of this selection. With Curtis Painter and Mike Reilly still on the board among others this seems like another reach by the Rams. ESPN had Null listed as the 37th ranked QB in the draft.

Rashad Jennings is still available. I am still waiting...

From
CDSDraft:
Keith has been a very fine QB for one of DII's top programs for the past couple of years. He capped a fine collegiate career by being declared the MVP of the 2009 Cactus Bowl which pits the best DII players in the country against one another.

From
FantasyFootballJungle:

Keith Null possesses the measurables of a drop-back passer. He shows improvement in working through receiver progressions and decision making. He does possess touch when throwing the eight and nine routes.

From
SI:

Super-productive quarterback who lacks the arm strength to play at the next level. Sells ball fakes, looks off the safety, and knows where his receivers are on the on the field. Effectively leads the offense, shows great patience as well as poise in the pocket, and waits for receivers to come free. Throws with a fluid delivery and accurate in the short and intermediate field.

St. Louis Rams Select Keith Null

With the 196th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The St. Louis Rams have selected Keith Null QB, out of West Texas A&M. At 6'3" and 220 pounds Null is a solid drop back pocket passer. As a Junior Keith Null set school records with 4,134 passing yards and 41 touchdowns through the air in 2007. For a team with plenty of holes this is another player that at best will be a game day scratch or on the scout team in 2009. The Rams need players now, I am not a fan of this selection. With Curtis Painter and Mike Reilly still on the board among others this seems like another reach by the Rams. ESPN had Null listed as the 37th ranked QB in the draft.

Rashad Jennings is still available. I am still waiting...

From CDSDraft:
Keith has been a very fine QB for one of DII's top programs for the past couple of years. He capped a fine collegiate career by being declared the MVP of the 2009 Cactus Bowl which pits the best DII players in the country against one another.

From FantasyFootballJungle:

Keith Null possesses the measurables of a drop-back passer. He shows improvement in working through receiver progressions and decision making. He does possess touch when throwing the eight and nine routes.

From SI:

Super-productive quarterback who lacks the arm strength to play at the next level. Sells ball fakes, looks off the safety, and knows where his receivers are on the on the field. Effectively leads the offense, shows great patience as well as poise in the pocket, and waits for receivers to come free. Throws with a fluid delivery and accurate in the short and intermediate field.