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10.06.2008 4:50 pm

Warner, Bruce rekindle GSOT memories

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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In case you hadn’t noticed . . .

A couple of key members of the Rams’ 1999 and 2001 Super Bowl teams are off to big starts — for other NFC West teams.

Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner, released by the Rams after the 2004 season, has thrown for an NFL-high 1,472 yards. Warner, 38, has a 102.5 passer rating, fourth-best in the league. He posted only one higher rating during his six years here — 109.2 in ‘99, as a leader of the Greatest Show on Turf.

Wide receiver Isaac Bruce, waived by the Rams this past Feb. 28, has scored four touchdowns for the 49ers. Bruce, 35, has rolled up 275 yards on 14 receptions. His 19.6-yard average is second in the NFL among receivers with at least 10 catches.

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Rams wideout Dane Looker spent the bye weekend in front of his TV, watching — what else? –football. “And when you’re watching football on the weekends and you’re a professional football player, it really makes you appreciate how much you love the game,” he said. “It feels like something’s missing when you’re not out there playing.”

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Notes & quotes:

*The season-ending injury to Randy McMichael is a blow to the Rams, who worked throughout the preseason on getting the tight end more involved in the offense. McMichael had 11 catches for 139 yards. Whether Joe Klopfenstein can produce in that role will go a long way toward determining the Rams’ fate over the final 12 weeks.

*With WRs Keenan Burton (knee) and Drew Bennett (foot) almost surely out for at least another week, and Dante Hall nursing a sore hamstring, Derek Stanley could be promoted from the practice squad.

*HC Jim Haslett isn’t planning more lineup changes on offense, other than Klopfenstein at TE and Marc Bulger back at QB. On defense, he’s planning to leave Clifton Ryan as the starter at nose tackle.

*Ryan, on Monday’s spirited practice: “I think we put our best foot forward today. Another good three days of practice and we’ll be on our way.”

*Looker, on whether the coaching change boosted the team’s attitude: “We’ve always had a pretty positive outlook on the season. Obviously we’re struggling, but we’ve had a great attitude all year.”

All for now . . .

6 comments

Comments are closed.

Glad to see Ryan will still be starting. Bench Corey at SS and we might have something.

— BobbyDigital
5:07 pm October 6th, 2008

boy doesn’t this story make you wonder why we got rid of warner and forked out 60+ mil. to the boy blunder??? and what about the coach during this time period?? guess now it seems that they were not so bad after all??? and not to mention all of the money payed to the old “weak, crippled, lame, and lazy on this team over the years???

— snipe 1995
3:58 pm October 7th, 2008

The Rams should continue with the young guys, Im glad to see Ryan continue to start. I hope they go with Ajendeyjo at DE for run downs and bring DE Littlle in on passing downs. Sit SS Chavous. I m hoping to see DB Wade, LB Culberson and Chamberlain. Lets go Rams!

— LARambunctous29
5:14 pm October 7th, 2008

Thanks for mentioning Isaac Bruce (who should be allowed to retire a Ram someday, somehow). One thing that you didn’t mention — in the past two games, Bruce has passed Hall of Famers Lance Alworth and Paul Warfield, and tied Hall of Famer Don Maynard, on the career receiving TD list. He’s now 9th with 88 TD’s. Numbers 6, 7 and 8 on the list — Tim Brown (100 TD’s), Hall of Famer Steve Largent (100) and HoF immortal Don Hutson (99), respectively — are suddenly within reach by next year at the rate the rejuvenated Ike is going.

Bruce’s 4 receiving TD’s in 5 games this year equal his entire 2007 output under our prior regime, and doubles the entire stable of current Rams wideouts.

Just a word from someone promoting the cause of wide receivers who aren’t raving psychotics.

— UCityDave
8:53 pm October 7th, 2008

You forgot to mention the continued production of London Fletcher, another in the list of solid players the Rams decided weren’t worth keeping around.

— WaialuaDaKine
1:30 am October 8th, 2008

Ryan starting Good! Linehan signing was BAD! QB Bulger needs protection to boost his CONFIDENCE! Note how Warner is doing behind a good Offensive line. History lesson–all game are won up front (in the trenches). Steelers jugernaut often won with GREAT defense. Third down on Offense (should be a short yardage event) NOT a “hold your breath moment” due to STUPID penalties. Stop the screens which get nowhere. When Jackson runs North-South there is none better. He is not a scat back–leave that to Dante Hall! Coaching has definitely gotten better! Play with the HEART shown in this game and the Rams will improve their standing in the NFL!

— Guy
10:01 am October 13th, 2008