Bulger speaks up, to Haslett’s delight
Two years ago, moments after an ugly two-touchdown loss to Arizona at the Edward Jones Dome, quarterback Marc Bulger stunned his teammates by ripping into players that he felt weren’t preparing properly, didn’t care whether the Rams won or lost, and weren’t bothered by their recurring mistakes.
By nature, Bulger is a quiet guy who always has preferred to lead by example rather than with words. Yet in the wake of the Scott Linehan firing, Bulger appears to be stepping up vocally. He grabbed center stage and talked to the team Friday, in advance of the game at Washington, and also addressed the players in the locker room after the 19-17 victory that ended an eight-game losing streak.
Bulger didn’t want to discuss the gist of his talks. “I’m not going to say specifically what I said to the guys,” he said. But Jim Haslett — Linehan’s successor — said he’s happy to see his quarterback expressing his views.
“He’s doing a nice job of running this team,” Haslett said. “He’s the leader of this team, and he’s kind of taken over. I’m proud of him, and I’m glad the way he’s doing things.”
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Notes & quotes:
*Bulger has thrown the ball well in practice despite jamming his right index finger vs. the Redskins. “It’s black and blue and puffed up. But he’s a tough guy,” Haslett said.
*With CB Fakhir Brown back on the roster and back in the lineup, Jason Craft replaces Jonathan Wade as the nickel back. Craft started the last two games, after Brown was released.
*Thursday’s full-pads practice was particularly physical, but also a bit sloppy. Several dropped passes and pre-snap penalties impeded the tempo.
*Rookie CB Justin King finally has shed the walking boot that he’d been wearing since breaking a bone in his foot in the preseason, necessitating season-ending surgery. “I’m done with the boot,” King said happily. “It was a long process, but I’m starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.” King was a fourth-round draftee from Penn State.
*LT Orlando Pace is going to test his sore thigh in practice Friday. Chances are, Adam Goldberg will get the start Sunday vs. the Cowboys.
*Haslett said he wasn’t concerned whether sore-fingered Tony Romo or Brad Johnson quarterbacks the Cowboys. “This is a great football team, with a lot of talent,” Haslett said. “And if you’re going to play them, play them with their best. If (Romo) plays, we’ll deal with it.”
All for now . . .
DeMarcus Ware is going to have his way with Adam Goldberg.
I think the cowboys say ROMO is playing just to change the way the rams prepare
I can’t imagine Bulger being able to motivate anyone. He is having enough problems getting himself going. We better hope Pace finds a way to play. Ware is pretty tough and I’m sure Goldberg will fold under him.
Jack Youngblood needs to call Orlando Pace and teach him how to play with a sore leg.
I have confidence in Goldberg if Pace is hurt, Goldberg is playing well this season. Romo is not the most sure handed QB so playing with a broken pinkie finger???? Who knows what can happen. The Rams must STOP THE RUN inorder to win. GO RAMS!!!
I agree, i cant believe Bulger would motivate anyone. I would rather have Pretty Tony (Banks) at quarterback!
For the past year, every week we hear the same line “Bulger has thrown the ball well in practice.” Maybe someone needs to explain to Mr. Bulger that he needs to throw the ball well during the game? Or, are the Ram’s paying him his huge salary to impress during practice only?
Mr. Bulger is doing a real nice job running this team? Does anyone remember that the offense is ranked at the bottom in the NFL, including touchdowns? Real nice job Mr. Bulger!
He talked to the team in advance of the skin’s game? Then he proceeds to throw only one good pass; in the final minutes of the game? Please! Stop covering up for him. He needs to play better, much better; period!
I am really tiered of Mr. Bulger’s poor play during pretty much the entire 2007 and the current 2008 seasons. Since about the time the Rams paid him the huge contract. Isn’t it about time that he actually performs, during a live game, not during practice, that he can perform to the level of his paycheck?
Mr. Jackson falls pretty much into the same category.
Consistently good players should be well paid but Mr. Bulger and Mr. Jackson, are getting away with robbing the Ram’s bank.
Way to get behind your team folks. Coming off of a road upset, a 13 point underdog no less and all you can do is slam the team with the same comments I’ve been reading all year (except for the guy from LA). Welcome to St. Louis. Yea, better things were expected at the beginning of the season, but I enjoyed the hell out of that last game and look forward to see if Bulger & company can take advantage of a suspect Cowboys secondary
EVERY BODY NEEDS TO GET BEHIDE THEM NOW.THEY SHOWED
EVERY BODY THAT THEY CAN WIN.THEY BEAT WASHINGTON
AND TO ME A WIN IS A WIN.IT DON’T MATTER HOW THEY
WON.NOW,IF YOU PEOPLE CAN,T GET BEHIDE OUR TEAM
AND SAY GOOD THING ABOUT THEM.PLEASE,SHUT THE
HELL UP.YOUR NOT A TRUE RAMS FAN.
BRAD POE