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09.23.2009 11:39 am

What’s Bulger shown so far?

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THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: How would you assess the play of Rams quarterback Marc Bulger so far this season?

BERNIE MIKLASZ
With Bulger, I’ve learned that people see what they want to see in him so it’s virtually impossible to have a reasonable discussion about him. The Bulger apologists will blame any of his shortcomings on the coaches, receivers, offensive line, visitors from Mars, global warming, media, etc. Anything except actually hold Bulger accountable. And the haters won’t cut him any slack whatsoever; they want us to believe that Bulger should be playing like Kurt Warner no matter what he’s surrounded with.

Here are the stats: after two games, Bulger ranks 32nd among NFL quarterbacks in yards per passing attempt, 31st in completion percentage, and 27th in passer rating. Are all of those numbers on him? No, only a wingnut would conclude that. So far offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur hasn’t displayed much flair in his passing game, the offensive line is shaky in pass protection, and the Rams arguably have the worst set of receivers in the NFL. But Bulger shares a big piece of the responsibility. According to film review done by STATS LLC, eight of his incompletions in the Washington loss were the result of poor, inaccurate throws. He has to make more plays when the opportunities are available to be made. And he hasn’t done that. For example: only 4 of 9 completions in the red zone. On the plus side, Bulger has done pretty well on third down, completing 12 of 19. And I have no problem with how he is competing.

Again, I know that answer isn’t what the extremists on opposite sides want to hear. The Bulger lovers want him babied by the media, and the Bulger haters want him savaged at every turn.

JIM THOMAS
I’d give him about a C or a C-minus. Receivers have left a lot of yards on the field, either through outright drops or balls that they at least got their hands on. He has not thrown any interceptions, and it seems pretty clear that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is stressing minimal mistakes and throwing the ball away when nothing’s there. But Bulger has missed on some throws, and a 50 percent completion rate isn’t going to take you very far in 2009.

BRYAN BURWELL
Bulger has once again proven how tough a competitor he is, even if his stats don’t reflect it. Both Sonny Jurgensen, a Hall of Fame QB, and Joe Theismann, a QB who won a Super Bowl, told me that Bulger’s performance through two weeks has been admirable. “I don’t know how Bulger will last through Week 8 with the sort of protection he’s gotten,” Theismann said.

But football is a bottom-line business , and 0-2 is 0-2 and Bulger will have to make some plays to win the game.

BILL COATS
Mediocre, at best. When an offense produces just seven points in two games, the quarterback takes the lion’s share of the heat, and deservedly so. Still, other factors have entered in, such as dropped passes, dubious play-calling, and sporadic breakdowns in blocking. Bulger hasn’t thrown with his usual accuracy, but he improved significantly overall from Week 1 to Week 2.

JEFF GORDON
Marc has been OK. He hasn’t been great, obviously, but he showed signs of improving over last year’s fiasco. He stood in, took big hits and delivered some nice throws in Washington. This offense is limited schematically and the WR corps is not great. But he will need to find ways to lead the Rams to victories or he, too, will move on. His contract gave him one more shot here. He has to do more with it. Just OK, at the dollars he is earning, is not good enough.

KATHLEEN NELSON
Bulger’s performance at the same level for 16 games won’t lead the Rams to postseason glory, but I can’t separate it from the play of the offensive line and the receivers. The line hasn’t given him as much protection as he needs, and the young receivers have made few (if any) game-changing plays in the Rams’ favor.

KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
In a word, meh. Let’s just call it the “south side of average” and say he hasn’t exactly been the kind of player that lifts people up around him. It’s not Bulger’s fault the high-priced offensive line doesn’t keep the heat off of him with any consistency. He had no say in putting together this no-name receiving corps either. At the same time, Bulger is missing throws he should be completing and, at least from where I’m sitting on Sundays (my couch), he doesn’t appear to be playing with any confidence. I’m not saying it’s easy to be a cocky gunslinger out there when you’re not getting much help, I’m just saying Bulger’s performance brings out the “meh” in me.

62 comments

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My $.02:

The only reason Marc Bulger has the contract he has is because Kurt Warner’s hand went bad for a bit. Does that mean he’s a horrible QB? Not at all. But he was very much a product of a system which, at that time, was working on all cylinders: great O-line, the best receiving tandem in the NFL, and (temporarily at least) the most versatile player in the NFL in Marshall Faulk. Three (four?) head coaches later, Bulger is a product of a poor offensive scheme, a lack of talent, and horrible mismanagement by a front office more concerned with a sale than with hiring scouts, coaches, and coordinators. Bulger can’t be held completely responsible for the team’s downfall, no matter how much the wingnuts want to blame him. But he’s had his part to play in their descent, and unfortunately, he simply doesn’t have the individual talent or personality to change this team all by himself.

The focus on Bulger’s struggles helps nobody but the pundits, who then have something like this article to write.

— Paul B
12:18 pm September 23rd, 2009

I think that the individuals that pick the Round Two picked this topic only to get the Talkbackers all crazy. Bernie was right that you see what you want, but I don’t understand how this topic really has any weight considering where the team is at. There are so many issues that are contributing to losses and we are not seeing any articles regarding them. Where is the article regarding the horrible WR group (minus Robinson this group is terrible, especially Avery), the bad play calling, the not that improved O-line, the extremely thin talent level on the roster, or the continued terrible return game? Instead we get to read articles about the lightning rod that is Bulger. Seriously, Bulger was not at all responsible for the loss in either game. So why contribute this much time too him? The answer, getting the knucklheads out and about! I am by no means a Bulger apologist, but I don’t think that the other issues are this team need to be addressed. If everything else improves and Bulger stinks up the place, bring in Boller. If not, lets leave Bulger alone and shine some light on areas that are really an issue.

— Oh boy
12:23 pm September 23rd, 2009

Rich Sielaff, get a clue. Your posts here and on Tipsheet are not funny or accurate. Cut Chris Long, you are unreal. Why not cut Brady, he didn’t throw a TD last week. Sound illogical, well read your posts sometime.

— Wow
12:27 pm September 23rd, 2009

Sorry Chris, Rich doesn’t want you to be good. He isn’t that nice or clever (posting as Chris Long is sooo clever). He is just simply a negative poster. Nothing more or less.

— Car Ramrod
12:36 pm September 23rd, 2009

For the money, which is what this is all about, Bulger is an absolute flop after his new contract signing. He’s making elite QB money and performing very below average. Like it was elluded to in the article, QB’s making that sort of money should be lifting the players up around them with their performance and leadership ability. Brett Favre can go to a different team and change their offensive performance around, Kurt Warner can, Drew Brees can. The Bulger appologist may say its unfair to lump him in this category, but I say why not? He’s making as much or more than some of these guys. This should be the year to cut the cord on him if he doesn’t show some significant improvement, especially in the red zone, regardless of how bad the o-line and receivers are.

— Da Rams!
12:39 pm September 23rd, 2009

How come Howard Balzer wasn’t asked? To hear him talk Bulger is a top 10 QB. He loves the guy.

— Tracker
12:48 pm September 23rd, 2009

The Bulger we saw last week was a Bulger we never saw before. If he’d show up like that every week, it would benefit the Rams. The guy’s got some good attributes but his biggest nemesis is making plays when the play breaks down. It’s always haunted him and it’s probably the main reason why we never see the Rams pull off any fantastic finishes, Marc’s ability to improvise in crucial moments has always been lacking. If Marc shows up every week like he did last week, and if Schurmur can start using Jackson more in the passing game, maybe it will open things up for the offense. Otherwise this offense will struggle all year.

— BillP.
12:50 pm September 23rd, 2009

Turn the question around a bit. Would would other similar pocket passers like Brady and Brees be doing in this offense? Do you truly believe this team would be any better with those two at QB? I don’t think so…..if your standard, non-mobile pocket passer doesn’t have a supporting cast around him i.e: o-line and receivers, none of them will be effective.

Look at the time Brees, Brady, Manning, and Manning have to throw the ball, their o-line’s are the best in the game. Even the likes of Shaun Hill, Jake Delhomme, etc can be effective when given time. Protect the QB!!

— Chad B.
1:07 pm September 23rd, 2009

He is not a leader. Every other team in the NFL would have made a switch a long time ago. He hasn’t earned a dime of that big contract just look at his stats since signing it.

— S-dub
1:08 pm September 23rd, 2009

Chad B. wrote “Turn the question around a bit. Would would other similar pocket passers like Brady and Brees be doing in this offense? Do you truly believe this team would be any better with those two at QB?”

Answer: Yes, I believe that we would be much better off with either Brady or Brees. It’s a no-brainer. While, (with our inexperienced receivers and mediocre offensive line)they would probably not be performing at the levels they are with their current teams, I believe they would be moving this offense much better than Bulger has been. It boils down to confidence and leadership - Both Brady and Brees have these qualities, Bulger doesn’t.

— SWMO Ram Fan
1:38 pm September 23rd, 2009

Does Bill Coats watch football…?

— What?
1:44 pm September 23rd, 2009

Again, again…it seems most of the writers listed above think of this teams’ woes on everyone, save for Marc Bulger. I like him, I really do. I’d rather have him than some other quarterbacks, as far as their personalities go. I think he’s class. HOWEVER, his level of play is different. Only Bernie, really, came up with something even approaching what is truth. Is it ll his fault, no. But is it all managments fault? Is it all coaching? Schemes? The Offensive Line? SJ? The Defense? Absolutel not, either. BM alluded to it; even when he’s had time/protection/etc etc, he’s still not consistently geting it done. PERIOD. Is it okay for Donnie Avery or for Steven Jackson to blame Bulger for their respective bad play. Can Alex Barron say he holds onto the ball too long, that’s why I gave up the sack, which affects my play and my standing in the eye of the public?Can the defense say that he isn’t leading or performing, which is why we couldn’t win a game in which we only gave up three field goals? Come on, Rams fans and Rams “fans”…it’s all garbage. I said it before; until this team holds EVERY single player accountable and views each player as a piece of another player being able to perform up to snuff, it’s going to keep happening. I’m dissapointed in the team, Bulger included. He isn’t above criticism, just as SJ, Barron, Little, and others aren’t. Quit blaming his OVERALL poor play on others; he’s shown thus far that it isn’t the case. NO I in TEAM…

— Bobby
1:49 pm September 23rd, 2009

Bulger’s time has passed. He may not be all of the problem but he isn’t the solution. Rams are paying him money to make plays. He may not have the best line or WRs bur he still has to make plays!

— chris
2:00 pm September 23rd, 2009

While Bulger is not “all” the problem, he sure hasn’t shown that he is part of the solution either.

— mrfootball
2:21 pm September 23rd, 2009

The QB’s in the NFL are getting whacked all over the place. I give Bulger A+ for his toughness and competitive spirit. At some point he will get knocked out. When that happens don’t put in Bollar. Put Null in for OJT like the Cowboys did with Romo a few years ago. We need to find out if this kid is a keeper!

— eocjr
2:23 pm September 23rd, 2009

When a QB doesn’t show up at camp because he wants a big contract, then gets it, he puts himself in a position for more scrutiny. I wish/hope Bulger can help turn it around. He seems to be a decent enough person. I think he cares. In the end that kind of money should bring better results.

— mrfootball
2:38 pm September 23rd, 2009

I for one do not believe that all that is bad with the Rams is Bulgers fault. However the reason us “Bulger haters” Blame Bulger (and there’s plenty of blame for all of the Rams) is that we know what a WINNER is, and a WINNER Bulger is not!! So if you say he is a victim of bad O-Line or what ever, then you just have to accept Mark is not a great QB. It’s a TEAM effort. Kurt warner on the other hand is a great QB. No AVERAGE QB can go to 2 different NFL teams and LEAD them to Greatness. Just look at there stats…I have not seen anything that warrants any defense of Mark. He is just an ordinary average QB. GET! USE TO IT!!

— snipe1995
2:39 pm September 23rd, 2009

I see Sam Bradford in the Ram’s future.

— trigggl
2:45 pm September 23rd, 2009

Eocjr, I like your suggestion to give Null some OJT. This team is building for the future. Unless Spags and the front office view Bulger as our QB of the future (heaven forbid), why play him? Looking ahead to the rest of the season, our schedule is a killer and we’ll probably lose 13 or 14 games with Bulger at the helm. Start the kid and let him take his knocks and see how he performs. What’s the worse thing that could happen? So we lose 15 or 16 games at worst with Null and get the top draft pick. Not all bad.

On the other hand, maybe Null will display a level of talent that will lead this team to 3 or 4 victories (can’t hope for much more than that). We will still get a high draft pick and maybe have discovered a diamond in the rough at the same time. Only upside to playing Bulger is that he may do well enough that some team may show some interest in trading for him and we might get a 3rd or 4th round draft pick for him.

Note to Chris Long. Dude, spend more time in the weight room and on the practice field and less time reading this blog. Couldn’t hurt.

— SWMO Ram Fan
2:47 pm September 23rd, 2009

I don’t understand why people take so much personal offense to the amount of money that Marc Bulger is making playing for the Rams. I understand he is being payed on a level of some of the elite QBs in the league, and his stats don’t seem to justify that. But even so, why do you care? It’s not like it’s your money. The Rams may have overpaid him and given him a contract at the wrong time, but all Bulger did was accept the offer on the table - he didn’t hold out - he just accepted the Rams’ offer.

As far as money earned, it depends on how you measure this. Marc Bulger is going to work and getting hit harder and more consistently than maybe any other QB in this league. Obviously, he is not putting up ideal numbers for reasons that are arguable, and he may not show the childish enthusiasm that guys like Favre have been known to show, but you know what? He keeps going back to work, under center for another snap. He doesn’t bitch, he doesn’t moan, he keeps his mouth shut and takes his punishment, and he keeps going back to work. How many of you whining, sniveling, spoiled baseball fans can say the same about yourselves?

You know, there’s more to this game than all this prissy QB gossip. And you so called fans and so called writers (aside from Burwell - I like that guy) need to realize this. Give the young guys Avery and Long a break - these guys can play ball and will get better each game. The guy who really deserves more criticism is Steve Jackson, the team’s true overrated diva, the guy who held out for the big money contract, the same guy who’s dragged his feet the whole time he’s been a Ram, the guy who sits out 4 or 5 games a year, the guy who even managed to criticize Marshall Faulk for “not mentoring him properly”. Now what has Steve done for the Rams lately? (By the way, I love Steven Jackson - I’m just making a point). All I’m saying is you all should try to enjoy this game of football while you still got it, cause you know it won’t last in this town.

— hellz_bellz
3:00 pm September 23rd, 2009

If Shurmur wants to minimize mistakes and he’s not going to give Jackson many touches, keep the fullback and Jackson back to block for added protection. Send three receivers out and with Avery’s speed, somebody is bound to get open. The other thing is, if we can’t get a running game going, Bulger is going to be ineffective. Start with the short throws, which the West Coast offense is anyway, let him build his confidence back then go from there. Lastly, if I’m a decent lineman and I am working my tail off to protect the QB and I look up and the pass is overthrown, dropped, or fumbled, I would give up too. The way I see it, Shurmur is the real problem. Seven points in two games? BooHoo!

— Boo Hoo
3:07 pm September 23rd, 2009

Good assessment Bernie. As a fan, I’d like to see a quality effort out of every player, regardless of position. More is expected, perhaps, out of key playmaker positions like QB. So when the results (wins) aren’t there, the high profile players had better be performing well or they will shoulder much of the blame (right or wrong). As you point out, Bulger hasn’t been giving his best performances, and with his contract, there won’t be much patience on the fans’ part. You can’t have your cake (the big contract) and eat it too (understanding for middling performance). If Marc doesn’t do much better than what we’ve seen so far this year, his agent will be getting a call during the offseason about taking a pay cut to stay here. Just business, nothing more.

— Roanoke
3:09 pm September 23rd, 2009

When is this city going to get over Kurt Warner? Don’t get me wrong, he is a top-notch human being and a great football player. But if you’d kept him behind this O-Line he’d be 6 feet under, have you seen the old man move in the pocket?? neither have I! And let’s not forget the absolute flop he was with the NY Giants… people here have selective memories of that…
No one would succeed in this offense!

— nick
3:23 pm September 23rd, 2009

There must be a team out there with a good offensive line that needs a QB like Bulger. He would be a pro-bowler on such a team. Meanwhile, we have an o-line that needs a couple of years to develop. Get on the phone. Other GM’s with good lines can make use of him. Trade him for a slab of cement for a nose tackle and a third and fourth round pick to get more fodder next year. Use Boller or Null and fill in more blanks the next draft.

— bizfran
3:38 pm September 23rd, 2009

Without sounding like a Bulger basher, I look back to the justification that was used when the team decided to keep Marc over Warner; how many games has he won?
The NFL is the ultimate “What have you done for me lately” league. Regardless of the situation, Mr. Bulger has not been able to motivate his teammates or to elivate them to a higher level. They have not even been able to act as a team. To the basher, there will always be a reason to complain to the supporters there will always be a justification for why, for a fan, it just comes down to a very simple aspect, can they win with Marc. I am beginning to believe the answer is no.

— safeman33
3:39 pm September 23rd, 2009

We should of signed the Dog Killer.

— Red Grange
3:47 pm September 23rd, 2009

People just have to accept Bulger for what he is - he’s a QB who can do good things when there is talent around him that is playing well, but he’s not the kind of guy who can lift a team up all by himself, a la John Elway on the otherwise mediocre 80’s Broncos teams. For this year, he’s all that we really have, and if you want to see him do better, you’d better hope that the players around him start stepping it up.

As for next year and beyond? Who knows, but I am intrigued by the class of QB’s coming out in next year’s draft.

— thirteen28
3:57 pm September 23rd, 2009

Oh, and to the guy that equated Bulger to Dieter Brock … that’s insane. Brock had an offensive line full of studs in front of him, at least one outstanding receiver in Henry Ellard, and a hall-of-fame RB behind him, and he still couldn’t get it done (heck, he completed only 6 passes out of 22 attempts in a 20-0 playoff win over Dallas where Dickerson set a postseason record with 248 yards). Bulger’s not above criticism by a long shot … but he is above *that* criticism, the one that equates him to Brock.

— thirteen28
4:01 pm September 23rd, 2009

Bulger seems like a good guy, but he just doesn’t have “moxi” of whatever the hell it is I’m seeing in Sanchez or even Shaun Hill. When Bulger first took over for Warner I was like what I saw. I loved Warner like most fans, but he was shell-shocked and Bulger stepped in and immediately started making more plays. He doesn’t do that now and probably won’t, at least with this team. There are no better QBs in free-agency (now that Garcia has signed), but we definitely need to address this in the draft or off-season. I’m very disappointed that it’s week 2 and we are seeing what many of us suspected…that the QB position needed to be addressed last off-season.

Now I’ll say something I’ll get crucified for…I think Jackson is as much of a problem as Bulger. I know, that’s not PC for a Rams fan to say. Do I think Jackson is talented? Absolutely! The guy is a beast! He’s tough and plays hard. The problem is that he just doesn’t follow his blockers and he won’t hit the hole! I’m wearing my TiVo out slow-mo’ing his touches back and forth. Even when the line seals a lane, he jump cuts somewhere else and loses 2! That cutting ability sometimes creates a homerun, but more often results in a K, and a .300 average doesn’t cut it in football. Sometimes I think he has the wrong playbook. I hope Spags and co. can coach him out of it so his talent can make more of a difference.

Our line certainly isn’t playing great, but when your QB won’t get rid of the ball and your RB won’t hit the right gap, you look even worse than you really are. We are the perfect storm of offensive misery.

— Cobb
4:03 pm September 23rd, 2009

I resent that. At 5′7, I still have an amazing arm and the CFL proved I was ready for the big time. Granted I’m 200 years old, but I’m ready to put on that helmet and lead the team to victory.

— Dieter Brock
4:04 pm September 23rd, 2009

The problem with Bulger is - he always stunk. He had one decent year - Pro Bowl and even that was suspicious, and then the Rams brain trust gave this guy an unbelievable contract. We can’t move him. Honestly, the Rams could go 0-6, easily. At what point, do you bring in Kyle B. who can’t be any worse. Yeah the O-Line stinks, but there were years they did, and the Rams still won games. As for the WRs, they are horrible. The only team whose receivers are worse are the Seahawks and they pummeled us. Laurent Robinson? Keenan Burton? Avery - who has Wendell Tyler hands? Come on. And then we sign “practice squad” guys and stick them on the team. I can’t believe Marvin Harrison isn’t better then these turkeys - and probably has come down in price. My FFL team is better. 39 years Rams fan, and this offense may be the most anemic I have ever seen. I mean the Rams of the mid 90’s were better. Give them time, absolutely, but open up the passing game.

— Dieter Brock
4:10 pm September 23rd, 2009

nick - You mentioned that Kurt Warner was a complete flop with the NY Giants.

I did some research. He started 9 games 5 wins 4 losses, 62.8 comp % 86.5 QB rating. The Giants went with Eli Manning for the other 7 games and I remember Warner on the sidelines giving Manning tips and verbal support. Manning had developed into a top-notch QB. All that constitutes a complete flop? Wow

Let’s look at Bulger’s career stats. 42 wins 64 losses (only one winning season), 62.3% comp %, 85.2 QB rating. Based on your definition of “complete flop” are you suggesting Bulger’s entire career has been a complete flop?

— SWMO Ram Fan
4:11 pm September 23rd, 2009

Football is the ultimate team sport, everybody must do their part, O Line, receivers, Backs must block, Bulger has proven he is better than average, but not if the other parts don’t do their parts well. He needs better player around him and he will do fine. Tom Brady would be dreadful behind this line and with these receivers. For what he has to work with he is doing OK

— Dean
4:18 pm September 23rd, 2009

comparison to Dieter Brock is ludicrous

— Dean
4:19 pm September 23rd, 2009

85.2 and 42 wins. Some wins against awful teams. He has happy feet. Always has. As for the Warner lovers, their memory must have forgotten how much he wanted out of the team and became a malcontent, when Bulger really became the starter. Warner was polite, but wanted out. Plus he became timid and held onto the ball too long in the last couple of years. Warner has to be in the right offense - The Giants weren’t that offense and in his first year in AZ, he was lousy. That is why they drafted Matt L. and made him the starter the following year, only to realize he was ineffective. Warner has rebounded to amazing results, but that is unusual for a guy, who took such a pounding and his age.

— Dieter Brock
4:20 pm September 23rd, 2009

I’m not comparing him to DB. DB was major awful.

— Dieter Brock
4:21 pm September 23rd, 2009

rams r nnot a good team but it seems as if bulger has never practiced with his receivers. got to admit i think i play calling is terrible

— mailman62906
4:27 pm September 23rd, 2009

I agree with those who think we should expect more from Steven Jackson. Yes, he got 104 yards against the Redskins; but he’s not getting 100 yards every game, nor is he even CLOSE to getting 3+ yards per gain on the statistical mean (not the average). Jackson gets one or two big runs a game, but he does NOT get the tough yards in the red zone. Combine Jackson’s lack of nose for the end zone with Bulger’s lack of confidence in his receivers in the same place (and pathetic blocking schemes don’t help at all), and you have a recipe for disaster.

I think the biggest mistake was not retaining Torry Holt. Diva or not, step lost or not, he knew how to get open in the end zone. (The fact that the coaching staff forgot he was there the last two years, that’s neither his fault nor Bulger’s.) Who can say if David Tyree was a stopgap solution there; Devaney didn’t pull the trigger, so we can’t find out.

Reality: this team needs a major infusion of talent, not just on the field. Devaney just had his first draft, so it’s too early to judge too much. But a few obvious replacements are needed for Incognito and Carriker. Those are gaping holes of talent and discipline at critical positions on both sides of the ball. And Spagnuolo might be taking the right long-term approach by simplifying the attack, but it makes for both boring football and a predictable game plan, neither of which is going to win any points from fans or opponents. (Prediction here is, he won’t be around to see the fruits of his labors rewarded.)

And finally, until our receivers pan out (however they may do that), the Rams have a pop-gun offense. The other teams know what’s coming, and it isn’t hard to stop Steven Jackson with no blocking and no lateral movement. Stop Jackson, and Bulger is an easy target. It’s just a shambles of a team all around, and we might be worse than the Lions were last year.

I guess that’s what they mean by “rebuilding”.

— Paul B
4:30 pm September 23rd, 2009

I agree with mailman. Bulger has to learn how to find receivers and throw them the ball with accuracy. Either he can’t figure out the playbook this year, or he just doesn’t have it. Clearly, the west coast offense doesn’t work for him.

— Dieter Brock
4:37 pm September 23rd, 2009

“meh” ain’t a word, Kevin.

— BrummerStealsHome
5:04 pm September 23rd, 2009

Bulger this year kind of reminds me of Rex Grossman.

— Mike
5:52 pm September 23rd, 2009

Whether Bulger is decent or not isn’t the question. Is he going to be any good in 2 or 3 years when the Rams are improved (hopefully). I believe they need to check out Boller to see if they need to pick a QB with their first pick next year.

— Tom
6:08 pm September 23rd, 2009

we should have traded him 3 seasons ago!!!

— edwinrams
6:14 pm September 23rd, 2009

More than any sports writer or fan, the Rams coaching staff knows what they want from Bulger, and I don’t hear them saying anything about him doing even more with the offense. IF Steven Jackson is the BEST player on the team, why hasn’t he scored a TD, and why aren’t people getting on his case? HUH???

Bulger is hanging in there and battling through many hard hits. Even though I think Bulger is doing much above average, his salary isn’t justified or balanced with an offense that scores only 7 points in 2 games. But then again, neither is SJAX’s, so she he be gone, too? If Bulger leaves next year, watch him lead another team deep into the playoffs.

— TD
6:48 pm September 23rd, 2009

Well I’m a longtime Bulger basher and I think Spaggs has lit the pilot light on this guy. I thought his apologists were out of hand with O line this or O line that, he stunk it up when the protection would hold. But now, he has been given a play not to lose game plan that doesn’t stretch the defense and encourages coordinators to put 8 in the box, the Rams bring in and cut relatively good wide receivers and yes Orlando was sent packing while Alex Barron continues to be the NFL’s great Matador. He’s replaced false starts with non starts. Bulger is a consistent failure in the red zone but I once again can point to bland play calling. Again, if you’re going to have this kind of bland, skill-less offense (except for SJ) , you should have a battleship QB patterned after Rothlisberger. I love Kurt, but I only grade Bulger on Bulger. I saw more intensity and better pocket awareness than in the past.

— Chuck Smith
6:56 pm September 23rd, 2009

@ Nick, Kurt Warner wasn’t a flop with the Giants they had a winning record and tanked the season to get Eli on the field. Get it right.

— kyle
7:53 pm September 23rd, 2009

@Cobb you are the only person on here that is watching the same game I have been watching for years.

— Kyle
8:19 pm September 23rd, 2009

Bernie - How does Bulger’s performance (winning percentage and stats) over the 30+ games from 2007 though today compare to some of the worst QB performances of all time over a similar period. I am being serious with this question: Has any other QB in NFL history lost more games or performed worse during such a period from a statistical standpoint? I would imagine no, as the coach would have likely removed the QB by now.

— Ram man
8:20 pm September 23rd, 2009

Who cares??? The Rams suck. The Blues scored more points in their first 2 games this season than the Rams for crying out loud!!!!!!!! The Cardinals scored more points in their game LAST NIGHT than the Rams this season!!??!!

— John
8:42 pm September 23rd, 2009

Don’t Cherry pick, Nick. Comparing Bulger to Warner is like comparing tuna fish to watermelon. Two completely different individuals. Here is the most important Bulger stat. 4-27. Its not all his fault, but then again, most of it is his fault. He has choices, there are many WR’s, TE’s and RBs to throw too. Bulger picks the worst one.
The Rams chose to release Isaac Bruce & Torry Holt, Orlando Pace and the other elite players, just so they could keep Bulger & his contract afloat. So right now, Marc Bulger is the coach killer, he doesn’t want to be, but, then again, you have to wonder about him. Bulger has gone through 4 OC’s and has done nothing since 2006. Hello out there its 2009 and he is 0-2. Warner was gone after 0-8 & he led the Cardinals to the SB last season. We have Marc Bulger & he led us to meet the Tidy Bowl man the last three seasons. Right now, tuna fish (anybody other than Bulger) might be the better option.

— bustedbtym
8:51 pm September 23rd, 2009

Guys, we are dealing with a seriously limited sample. We have played two games. Against the seahawks the team was brand new and badly needed a break-in drive. All sorts of things had not been ironed out. Against Redskins, we were much better, but still off and on disorganized and not on the same page. Plus, we had tiny little Bell trying to block 350 pound Haynesworth, and failing to stop him just about every time. Still, we almost won the game! Left guard is a bad place to have a problem. Close enough to get to SJ, or to Bulger, as Haynesworth did repeatedly. I was surprised they didn’t put in Roger Allen III, with enough Bulk to possibly handle Haynesworth much of the time. So against other humans (as opposed to giant monsters) maybe we will have a running game? Maybe Bulger will have one or two more seconds to see and throw? Maybe our new WR will play better than Avery? So maybe we will have an offense in the next game or two???? Cross your fingers, spit over your shoulder, and turn around three times!

— Orfordram
9:58 pm September 23rd, 2009

My answer to all of this is Steve Spagnola is the coach with a lot more experience than any armchair quarterbacks or sportswriters.Having said that,I defer my opinion to the coaches and management and what they are doing.So in a word,It doesn’t what any of think,its their decision.
Enough said.

— Calvin Suddeath
10:24 pm September 23rd, 2009

IN A NUT’SHELL IT’S TIME,TICK,TOCK.AFTER EIGHT YEARS AND STILL WAITING.IT’S NOT THE RECEIVERS NOR THE OFFENSIVE LINE.IM TIRED,WE’RE TIRED.WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET A PAYTON,ELI,TOM,DONAVON,DREW,MIKE…NO!WE GOT MARK?

— TERRANCE MICHAEL
4:06 am September 24th, 2009

Bulger’s game is not the best to say the least. Pass protection is a must in the NFL. He does not have any. One of the big problems we have is there isn’t a very good backup for him when he gets hurt. And he will get hurt with this line trying to protect him. I wished we would have picked up a young quarterback to start grooming. Why have we gotten away from our bread and buterr plays back in the Kurt Warner days. 5 yard pass, 5 yard pass, 1st downs marching down the field. Get the defense off guard and then try the long ball. To bad we didn’t pick WR Coffman from Mizzou in the draft. Then there is Steven Jackson. Poor guy. If he was in Pittsburgh, he would probably already have 500 rushing yards this season. Our line couldn’t open up a hole with a bulldozer. It is going to be a long season. I predict a 1 and 15 season and that is if we can bet Detroit.

— Dennis Shaw
7:10 am September 24th, 2009

I have been a Rams fan since birth pactically. these last 2 years have been a display of uninspiring football. It is a given that the quarter back isn’t going to be protected and will have little time to get the job done. Mr Bulger doesn’t seem to be able to get the guys up for the game. Or there are no personalities that inspire them to get excited. The defense needs work but are ok and I think moving in the right direction. The offense is starting to look like dead men walking. There is no real excitment on offense, no go for it feeling no pass routes that my son couldn’t figure out. Maybe a head has to roll for the team to wake up.

— michael
8:03 am September 24th, 2009

oh and i forgot to state I LOVE THE RAMS THEY HAVE BEEN MY TEAM FOR 50 YEARS i take the bad with the good i’m no fair weather fan.
GO Rams

— michael
8:09 am September 24th, 2009

Bulger is a man. To take almost 300 hits over the past few years
and still stand tall in the pocket is amazing. Superman himself
would have mediocre numbers behind that line and Manny, Moe
and Jack for wide receivers. Qb’s always get too much credit
and too much blame when a team goes south.

— Andrew Rojas
11:44 am September 24th, 2009

ok marc bulger sucks. since when has he shown us anything that is good. after warner got benched the rams have gone downhill

— Anthony
2:55 pm September 24th, 2009

Shut up!!! Every one of you, just shut up!!! I hate all of you!!!

— Marc Bulger
4:26 pm September 24th, 2009

Bulger got the starting job by winning games; he should lose the starting job by losing games. It’s really that simple.

— korbo
8:11 pm September 24th, 2009

This is Bulger’s last season as a Ram, he was guaranteed money with his contract, so they might as well see what he can do and not cut him, so that another team could pick him up and beat the Rams.

Expect him to be cut after the season is over. And if the Rams are 0-8 or close to it, he might be put on inactive list and sent home with pay.

Although, this is not Marc’s fault for what is happening with the Rams O, you just can’t get paid $10 million for being on a losing team.

— yankeewhaler
8:42 pm September 24th, 2009

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right.,

— Umohalith
10:53 am October 5th, 2009