Rams break camp but not Jackson stalemate
MEQUON, Wis. (Camp Day 20/final report)
At about 5 p.m. Wednesday, as the rain-soaked players, coaches and support personnel trudged off Century Field at Concordia University, it became official: Holdout running back Steven Jackson had missed the entire training camp.
The team arrived here July 24, and practices began the next day. The Rams spent 15 days in Mequon and five in Nashville sharing practices with the Titans. All told, they went through 23 practices, plus several walk-throughs, put in about 50 hours on the field and many more in the classroom.
All without Jackson, who so far has run up a $302,320 fine in his quest for a new contract before he heads into the final season of his original five-year deal. Coach Scott Linehan, who refused the let the Jackson situation derail his camp plans, apparently wants to get more involved now.
“This is an obvious break in the action, and we have some time to collect our thoughts,” he said after Wednesday afternoon’s final practice. “I’m going to meet with Jay (Zygmunt) tomorrow and kind of see where we’re at. I’m hoping for the best. I know it will work out soon.”
Of course, Rams officials were saying that three weeks ago.
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The early returns on the Mequon experience were positive, at least in Linehan’s opinion.
“The only proof is how it pays off in the end, but I know more about our football team personally just because we’ve been around each other 21 days straight,” he said. “I think it’s been outstanding that way . . . and I know we’re a lot better football team than when we started 21 days ago.”
Notes & quotes:
>>Linehan kept the team on the field Wednesday despite a driving rain over the last 45 minutes or so.
>>Pro Football Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks watched from the sideline Wednesday. He was checking out rookie Chris Long, the 2007 winner of the Ted Hendricks Award, presented annually to the top defensive end in college football.
>>With Oshiomogho Atogwe (hamstring), Eric Bassey (neck) and Jerome Carter (groin) nursing injuries, the Rams could have just two healthy safeties for Saturday night’s home game vs. the Chargers: Corey Chavous and Todd Johnson. That’s not counting international player Sebastien Sejean, who will spend the season on the practice squad. Sejean had two tackles in brief action vs. the Titans.
All for now . . . reports resume Friday from St. Louis.
Steven Jackson is personally going to get Linehan fired and make sure that Bulger is injured by the 3rd game. What an arrogant ASS! A new system means learning timing, routes and (what everyone fails to mention) pass blocking schemes. Am I the only one who remembers Marshall Faulk playing on 1 leg becuase they couldn’t trust Jackson to keep Bulger from getting killed?
Last year he was upset because fans stopped coming to games and started selling tickets to visiting teams (not for the money…just because they felt sick when they watched the games). Just wait until Jackson is booed after dropped balls, fumbles, poor runs and after he misses blitzes that poot Bulger on the bench.
I understand the “business side” of the game and wanting a new contract but he should have been in camp during this mess if he had any brains.
john, buying season tickets for a 3-13 is your problem. It’s the type of beast you want to feed.
I respect both sides of this disagreement. Jackson has earned the right to big money. His numbers show it and the he’s a big part of this team whether we go 3 and 13 or 13 and 3. All I ask of the Rams organization is please sign him soon because he is a very valuable part of my fantasy team! My predictions on this year…10 and 6, we make the playoffs…and Jackson rushes for 2000 yards with 30 touchdowns. Ha! Might be pushing it alittle. Go Rams!!!!!
Hey Steven,
Yes, we understand wanting a new contract and the short life span of running back in this unforgiving sport…and the potential financial loss if injuries do occur. We get that, it’s business. But, why couldn’t you at least report to camp and sit in the classroom…maybe learn a few plays….watch some film….meet some new guys…act like you want to be involved???
You’ve lost my respect by not at least doing something. When we look back at another RAms 6-10 effort (give or take), I’ll be thinking of you.
The Rams should stand pat and let Jackson continue to sit. They need only to glance across the state to the Chiefs to see what can happen when a running back pulls this stunt. Larry Johnson skipped all of camp and preseason, suckered KC into a $48 million signing bonus and giant contract, then promptly went out with his unprepared self and got injured. He had his most unproductive season as a pro and tied the Chiefs hands with a giant salary cap hit. Jackson might have three good seasons left, then again, he might have zero. The Rams’ line is too suspect to be counting on a running game to propel them into the playoffs. Let him sit. Trade him for a mid to low first-round pick and save the money.
IF RUSH BUYS THIS TEAM PROBLEMS LIKE THIS WILL GO AWAY IN A HEARTBEAT. HE WILL PAY A GUY WHAT HE THINKS HE IS WORTH AND CUT ANYONE WHO DOESN’T CONFORM. HURRY UP RUSH