Jackson walks the line to Philly
In his first game-week session with the media this season, Steven Jackson talked about being ready for a busy Sunday in Philadelphia, having fresh legs, getting up to speed with the playbook, etc.
His enthusiasm really cranked up, though, when discussing the offensive line and its relatively healthy status heading into the opener. Because of an inordinate number of injuries, Jackson found out last year what it’s like running behind a ragtag line. It wasn’t much fun.
The line’s play in the preseason has been “really encouraging,” Jackson said. “I’m just hoping we can keep that intact. That’s really what you need. You need an offensive line that can stay together, not only through a season but two or three years. That’s how formidable ground games get started.”
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The Rams have seven rookies on their 53-man roster, and most of them figure to be among the 45 actives Sunday in Philly. Defensive tackle La’Roi Glover, a 13-year vet, offered them a bit of sage advice.
“They’re going to walk into that stadium and they’re going to realize what it’s all about. People are going to boo them, say a little nasty stuff to them, throw stuff at them,” Glover said. ” They’re going to see No. 5 (Donovan McNabb), they’re going to see No. 36 (Brian Westbrook), they’re going to see that big offensive line.
“So the only thing I’m going to say to them is, go out and enjoy it.”
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Notes & quotes:
>>Rookie WR Donnie Avery hasn’t practiced since spraining his right knee Aug. 28 at Kansas City and almost surely will sit out Sunday.
>>The post-cuts additions of S Brannon Condren, CB Ricky Manning Jr. and special-teams ace Gary Stills are garnering strong reviews among their new teammates.
>>DT Adam Carriker, on preparing for his second season-opener: “It definitely feels different. Knowing what’s going on, knowing what to expect . . . it’s a lot easier. Last year, it was excitement, it was anxiousness . . . I just wanted to get out and play.”
>>HC Scott Linehan said he planned to tune in to tonight’s Giants-Redskins contest . . . at least briefly. “It really is the official kickoff of the season,” he said. “I’m sure I’ll watch a few plays.”
All for now . . .
Pretty exciting stuff here… Nobody is giving the Rams a chance… they have an opportunity to come out and suprise the whole league… if the defense can rise to the occasion, I think there is a legitimate shot to make this a close game, and possibly steal a win. The Eagles are battling injuries and the Rams seem to be fairly healthy. A steady dose of SJAX will help keep their offense off the field. No turnovers, minimize mistakes and we have a chance… GO RAMS!!!!!!
I definitely agree with you Justin, the Rams do have a chance to spoil the Eagles home opener and “shock” the league! I am very hopeful as I am always hopeful that the Rams can win every game! But I do believe going into the game with a little reality, the Eagles are a better team on paper, but they are battling injuries and if the Rams “D” can actually step up to the Westbrook challenge, then the Rams may just sneak out an upset!! Steven Jackson also needs to prove he can hang onto the ball after being a no-show in preseason! I still have nightmares of the Carolina game last year, ugh! Anyways, here’s to a clean start and a new beginning to the Rams! On a side note, Bulger is still on my crap list, but if he shows up against the Eagles “D” on Sunday and steals a win from the Eagles, I can easily forget about his last years shotty performance under Linehan (granite the offensive line suffered major injuries last year)! Maybe Al Sanders is the key! I may be watching the game from my living room in cozy Southern California, but my screams will be heard from across the states for my Rams! Peace
A grew up a Los Angeles Ram fan and obviously now a St. Louis Ram fan and have been with the team at it’s lowest points (paper bags) and through the highest of times winning the 99 super bowl (Apex) and also loosing two others which I don’t like talking about.
Last year was horrible! a year you want to put hind site real quick, I believe we will make the playoffs by winning the Div or wild card. I really see us going 9-7 or even 10-6 the key is health and if we’re able to stay healthy (team wise) sky’s the limit. Our O line finally looks healthy which will help Bulger stay upright to make passes to the likes of Holt, Jackson, McMichael, Looker, Bennett & rookies Avery and Burton.
The D looks great, it spoke for itself holding San Diego and Baltimore to 400 total yards for both games wow! (with the exception vs Titans and vs KC because no starters played)
I will have to agree our D does lack dept in terms of experience but not in guts… This year we have 7 rookies that made the roster most of them are on D so they’re gonna have to step up if called upon and am fully confiedent in them plus the new additions to special teams!
“Go Rams”
I cant wait to kick of the season! Were going to surprise all of people…
Kind regards,
Joe Cuevas Jr.
Honestly, you’ve gotta know that last year was a fluke. Name me a team that can endure the setbacks we had and still produce wins. It doesn’t happen. I’m very optomistic that we’re all going to see that this years Rams are a pretty good team. Having been a Ram fan living in Niner territory for the past 28 years I’ve come to realize that this team needs to kick the memory of the Greatest Show On Turf and form their own identity. Those were glorious years but they’re over and done just like the Niner’s Dynasty of ancient history. People need to look at the now and these Rams need to forge their own character as a team.
So, all I can say is that I’m excited that football is back!! Go Rams!! Show ‘em what you got!!
Eric R. from the Bay Area