Postgame With Gordo
Join columnist Jeff Gordon for a live Rams chat, approximately 30 minutes after the end of each Rams game this season.
Sunday, November 15, 2009 03:30 PM CST
virginiatom: Is the defense the Rams run the same as what Spags ran in New York? If not, what is different about it?
Jeff Gordon: Aside from safety James Butler, all the players are different. That explains a lot.
virginiatom: If Bulger isn't retained next year, could the Rams trade him and try and get something for him to build for the future or do you think they will just release him outright? What teams in need of a quarterback do you think Bulger could succeed with?
Jeff Gordon: I'd be shocked if a team traded anything for Bulger. Teams will sit back and see if the Rams let him go after the season, then sign him for a lot less as a back-up QB.
virginiatom: What do you think about the Rams signing Jason Campbell from the Redskins next year? He has had his problems there, but its a dysfunctional organization and he hasn't really had consistency in offensive systems over the years. But he has a strong arm, good legs, good character, doesn't throw interceptions and is still young. It would allow the Rams to concentrate on upgrading some other positions, such as defensive tackle, linebacker, or another impact running back with their draft. Campbell at least can manage a game.
Jeff Gordon: Campbell is an interesting physical specimen. Whether he has any real upside is tough to say. Like most bad team QBs, he is working within a limited offense with limited help. On the other hand, he has missed on some chances to win games.
Washington will have a new coach next year. It'll be interesting to see what happens at that position.
Washington will have a new coach next year. It'll be interesting to see what happens at that position.
st3v346: Gordo:
When is enough, enough? Bulger is pathetic!!! Why would you throw a pass into double coverage in the end zone? Why not just throw out of bounds or out of the end zone? Is Bulger's arm that weak? If the Rams do not can Bulger, next year that dome will be empty. I do not think Boller can do any worse than Mr. Interception (Bulger).
When is enough, enough? Bulger is pathetic!!! Why would you throw a pass into double coverage in the end zone? Why not just throw out of bounds or out of the end zone? Is Bulger's arm that weak? If the Rams do not can Bulger, next year that dome will be empty. I do not think Boller can do any worse than Mr. Interception (Bulger).
Jeff Gordon: He made a bad read there and got picked. He made better reads later and threw two TDs.
nevadariverranch: Hello Jeff, Here we go again, our Brilliant Head Coach only dresses 4 recievers, and midway thru the 1st, what happens, Keenan Burton is hurt. I hope Burton is ok, but I sure would like to place my size 10 steel toe boot directly in this Head Coaches hind end for constantly leaving the 5th reciever inactive.
Jeff Gordon: I agree -- especially when you know you will have to play catch up against the Saints.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, I know I'm beating a dead horse here, but I am tired of hearing that Keith Null isn't ready to start, well I got news for everyone, Marc Bulger isn't either. What Null will throw picks? with only 4 td's in 18 times in the red zone, this isn't cutting it either.
Jeff Gordon: Bulger would have had a 350-yard passing game if Amendola doesn't drop that potential huge gainer. So we'll set aside all Null talk for a week.
boleil: Can it be Gordo? Can it be? This has to be the first time in a long time I've seen the Rams do their usual turnover/choke thing (with the Bulger INT and losing Burton)....then they get scored on.....and then they actually sucked it up, went down the field...and scored a TD?? Can it be? Can it be?
Well its early yet. I'm pretty sure NO will bring down the hammer in the second half like everyone else has....but CAN IT BE?
Well its early yet. I'm pretty sure NO will bring down the hammer in the second half like everyone else has....but CAN IT BE?
Jeff Gordon: The team showed some heart in several spots during this game, which is a good indicator.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, I got to give a shout out to Alex Barron for playing hard, finishing off blocks, and holding down on the penaltys. Good Job!
Jeff Gordon: The whole offensive line has come together nicely.
boleil: OH NOOOES!! There it is! The special teams figured they'd better get in there and lose us a game and not let the Offense and Defense take all the credit. 90 yard KR for a TD to get the second half going in the wrong direction. Noooooooooo!
What a shame. *bows head.
What a shame. *bows head.
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, that was the difference in the game. The Rams offense outscored and outproduced the Saints and still the Rams lost.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, Brandon Gibson looks good, too bad he isn't 10 foot tall to be able to catch Marc Bungular's high throw.
Jeff Gordon: Didn't see many high Bulger throws today.
JoeBacc: Third and 9 at the beginning of the second half: Bulger has a wide open Brandon Gibson in NO territory and misses him long over the wrong shoulder. Is this a perfect example of the throws Bulger used to make and doesn't anymore more? Drew Brees doesn't miss that throw.
Jeff Gordon: He led Gibson to the open part of the field. Gibson didn't turn upfield after Bulger scrambled out of the pocket.
Brees, in fact, missed many throws is this game, including an air mail job to Butler for an INT.
Brees, in fact, missed many throws is this game, including an air mail job to Butler for an INT.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, if the Rams DB's are going to keep playing 5 to 10 yards off the saints recievers, they might as well sit on the bench. What ever happen to hitting the recievers at the line and knocking them off of their timing and routes?
Jeff Gordon: Fletcher was their one "press" coverage guy and he's gone, perhaps for good.
JoeBacc: Gordo,
I knocked on Bulger in a question to you earlier in this game and while I'm the first to admit that I've always had mixed feeling for him there is no denying that he's been playing well today. He's fought out of numerous sacks and he's held his composure in getting the ball down field. Pefect example is his 19 yd strike to Daniel Fells. Right now Bulger gives us the best chance to win. He's been making that clear today.
I knocked on Bulger in a question to you earlier in this game and while I'm the first to admit that I've always had mixed feeling for him there is no denying that he's been playing well today. He's fought out of numerous sacks and he's held his composure in getting the ball down field. Pefect example is his 19 yd strike to Daniel Fells. Right now Bulger gives us the best chance to win. He's been making that clear today.
Jeff Gordon: It was just nice to see the team attack downfield for a change. For once, they had an aggressive offense.
JoeBacc: Is it too early to invest in a Brandon Gibson jersey? Heck I haven't thought about Witherspoon once in this game!
Jeff Gordon: That he looked that good tells you just how bad the others (Tim Carter!) have been.
JoeBacc: Steven Jackson, Brandon Gibson, OJ Atogwe, James Butler, Donnie Avery, Marc Bulger. We looked like a real football team today, Gordo. Of course we still have Alex Barron... Who gets the Rams' game ball today?
Jeff Gordon: Jackson was the horse, of course.
lawdog: I watched Oregon State pulverize Washington and Locker yesterday on the tube up here in Seattle. I was blown away by Oregon State's lefty quarterback named Canfield. He was miles better than the highly touted Locker yesterday afternoon. The broadcasters said he's been playing lights out like this the last 6 games--coming from no where seemingly. He reminded me of a young Ken Stabler (you can tell I just turned 60)...
Anyway, this kids seems like the real McCoy, and I don't mean Colt! Can throw all the passes with dead on accuracy with a strong accurate arm, not fast perhaps, but quick on his feet, can run away from pressure, run the naked bootleg or quarterback draw, has great football smarts and has been playing in a pro set offense and winning.
Do you think the Rams might take a chance on him in the 4th or 5th round? That way they could use their top three picks for WR, DT/DE and OLB and possibly contend as early as next year. His projected to go in the 5th or 6th by at least one mock draftster, but I don't think he'll last beyond the 4th or top of the 5th if he continues to play like he did yesterday. Who else do you see as a "sleeper" quarterback pick if the team doesn't want to spend it's top 3 pick on a highly touted quarterback pick?
Anyway, this kids seems like the real McCoy, and I don't mean Colt! Can throw all the passes with dead on accuracy with a strong accurate arm, not fast perhaps, but quick on his feet, can run away from pressure, run the naked bootleg or quarterback draw, has great football smarts and has been playing in a pro set offense and winning.
Do you think the Rams might take a chance on him in the 4th or 5th round? That way they could use their top three picks for WR, DT/DE and OLB and possibly contend as early as next year. His projected to go in the 5th or 6th by at least one mock draftster, but I don't think he'll last beyond the 4th or top of the 5th if he continues to play like he did yesterday. Who else do you see as a "sleeper" quarterback pick if the team doesn't want to spend it's top 3 pick on a highly touted quarterback pick?
Jeff Gordon: The more I see the so-called top QBs in this draft, the smarter it looks for the Rams to wait until the middle rounds to find a QB.
JoeBacc: Did we make Jeremy Shockey look like Joe Klopfenstein?
Jeff Gordon: On one play, yes. Overall, no.
MrRam: Does Spags truely beleave his "D" can stop the saints? He punts the ball, behind buy 11 in the 4th... It makes me think. Such a joke. Wheres my bag, I need to cover my head?
Jeff Gordon: Well, it worked. The Rams had a chance to win at the end.
David: Please, let's just get rid of Alex Barron. What first round talent he (should have) had is cancelled out by his lackadasical attitude and penalty-committing stupidity. Am I being too radical on this one? Ever since his holdout right after he was drafted he's left a bad taste in my mouth.
Jeff Gordon: What did Barron do so wrong in this game?
nevadariverranch: Jeff, I just heard the tv announcer say that L. Little was the Rams all time sack leader, Isn't that either Jack Youngblood or Deacon Jones?
Jeff Gordon: They didn't keep sack stats back in the day.
St. Lou Angeles of Cleveland: I felt, whether the WW trade was good long term or not, that it would leave a hole in the rams run D. Detroit couldnt exploit it, but N.O. is having a ball running. Do you think this is an aberration of the rams run D, or just the way things are since the WW trade?
Jeff Gordon: Witherspoon wasn't great before his trade, so I wouldn't blame the trade for a couple of those big runs.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, 28-17 and a draw play? Then a 4th and 2 and a run play? Can we please Fire the whole Coaching staff! This is a Joke!
Jeff Gordon: A joke? The Rams are supposed to lose this game by more than two TDs. If Amendola catches that ball thrown into his stomach, the Rams might upset a Super Bowl-caliber team.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, in all honesty, Spags is a good Defensive coordinator. He has done well improving the defense, but as good as he is there, his offensive IQ leaves lots to be desired.
Jeff Gordon: His offensive talent leaves more to be desired.
Cousin Vinny: Gordo,
Rams coaching staff forget that there are 4 Qts in football?
Rams coaching staff forget that there are 4 Qts in football?
Jeff Gordon: No.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, can someone please let the offense know that the clock is running, and we mi9ght actually make a game out of it if someone hurrys up a little.
Jeff Gordon: Clock management not the best in this game, no.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, i will give Bulger his due, nice td pass to Donnie Avery.
Jeff Gordon: That was an even better adjustment by Avery -- one of first real good ones of his career.
COGzilla: Good effort for the most part today against a superior team, and as crazy at it seems the Rams could have won this thing.
with that said, the saints adjusted in the second half and the rams did not.
im with you...a weak secondary and we needed to go downfield.schurmur saved by jax in the first half, shows his ineptitude in the 2nd.
with that said, the saints adjusted in the second half and the rams did not.
im with you...a weak secondary and we needed to go downfield.schurmur saved by jax in the first half, shows his ineptitude in the 2nd.
Jeff Gordon: This was a big step in the right direction, though. We finally saw repeated attacks downfield.
Ozy Rams Fan: Good day Gordo,
I am not going to complain to much today, because next week they are showing the Rams game live. This is the first live game in Australia in over 2 years, i just hope Bulger plays well for old time sake. More likely Warner spanks us !
The play calling and lack of depth of reciever still have me puzzled. Shurmer play calling isn't good enough, his play calling is to vanilla.
The reciever situation is pathtic, not caring enough players at that position all year long. Then not suiting up enough on game day, repeated injuries. When do they gets a clue ?
OZY
I am not going to complain to much today, because next week they are showing the Rams game live. This is the first live game in Australia in over 2 years, i just hope Bulger plays well for old time sake. More likely Warner spanks us !
The play calling and lack of depth of reciever still have me puzzled. Shurmer play calling isn't good enough, his play calling is to vanilla.
The reciever situation is pathtic, not caring enough players at that position all year long. Then not suiting up enough on game day, repeated injuries. When do they gets a clue ?
OZY
Jeff Gordon: I'd always start five WRs, especially given the injury history of some of these guys.
Midnighter67: I'm proud to be a Rams fan today. For the first time in a long time, they actually looked like a real NFL team today. I liked what I saw from Avery and Gibson as well as the team's effort and attitude. The Saints are arguably the best team in the league and the Rams have been arguably the worst but they went toe to toe with the Saints today.
Jeff Gordon: That was the best part. The Rams didn't cave late for a change.
JoeBacc: BULGER DIDN'T SLIDE SHORT THAT TIME GORDO!
Jeff Gordon: Yes -- he raced out of bounds, which is not easy for him to do, given how slow he is. Good for him.
jerseyram: d.avery scores twice gibson looked good espically after the catch d-fence hold them to 21 points 7 after half time chris long a sack some presurre applied bulger looked looked his old self minus that awful int early this is the improvment i like to see even if we lose jackson is a beast o-line looked good after ryan got the jets off to that start i kinda wondered if we made the right choice but i believe in spags ryan is an d-coordinator only awful mistake he makes and talks to much spags looks steady and the d is improving every week even if the score doesnt say so
Jeff Gordon: An eerily upbeat assessment!
JoeBacc: Give Brandon Gibson a Larry Fitzgerald contract right now
Jeff Gordon: Well, let's not get too excited . . . but that was a revelation. A big kid who catch and run after the catch. Wow.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, this booth review is taking way too long, it takes the momentum away from the teams.
Jeff Gordon: Did you like Spags using that time for prayer?
JoeBacc: ouch
Jeff Gordon: We knew it would end badly, but it would have been fun to see them actually pull off the miracle.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, Great call Pat Shurmer, with less then 15 sec. left in thegame and no timeouts left, lets throw a short pass in the middle. I also put this on you Bunguler! Way to go guys!
Jeff Gordon: That was a check down, not the called play. Marc needs to throw that away, obviously.
Rams 5010: Gordo,
Many of us thought the Saints would destroy the Rams. You said it yourself, well that was not the case. A loss is a loss but none of us thought the Rams could have won this game in the last few seconds!! Spags should be able to build on this game. The Rams won the stats but that doesn't win games. We many be seeing the start of a turn around for this team. What to you say????
Many of us thought the Saints would destroy the Rams. You said it yourself, well that was not the case. A loss is a loss but none of us thought the Rams could have won this game in the last few seconds!! Spags should be able to build on this game. The Rams won the stats but that doesn't win games. We many be seeing the start of a turn around for this team. What to you say????
Jeff Gordon: I believed this would be a massive New Orleans victory, given the Rams' previous inability/unwillingness to pass the ball down the field. This was a pleasant surprise. This same effort beats a lot of teams.
Josh: For the first time since probably 2003, I had that feeling where you think your team is gunna pull off the big win with a 2 minute drive. Its nice to get that sometimes.
Jeff Gordon: I didn't have THAT feeling, since I've seen too much failure. But it was nice to have an entertaining game.
JoeBacc: Was this the first game that Dorell Scott has been active?
Jeff Gordon: This was his fifth game, believe it or not.
Morris Graham: Jeff,
Your thoughts on Samkon Gado/Kenneth Darby/Chris O./etc. being on this team next year in any combination? Or a new second back? Since our coaching staff enjoys the underneath stuff, more of a pass-catching role for Karney now or in the future?
Morris Graham
Your thoughts on Samkon Gado/Kenneth Darby/Chris O./etc. being on this team next year in any combination? Or a new second back? Since our coaching staff enjoys the underneath stuff, more of a pass-catching role for Karney now or in the future?
Morris Graham
Jeff Gordon: This team needs to add a more dynamic second back -- and perhaps a better third back as well.
Josh: Not to take anything away from the effort put forth because it was more then we've seen all season, but that 2 minute drill was terrible. Playcalling was bad, decisions were bad, throws were bad, routes were bad. I know that its a stepping stone process for such a bad team, but those last 2 minutes were rough.
Jeff Gordon: Agreed. But after watching this team operate so timidly in the passing game all year, that struggle was not a surprise.
VARamFan: Why wasn't the ball spiked to stop the ball and regroup after being stopped for with the clock running. I do realize they were drop 7-8 guys expecting passes to the sidelines, but why not spike the ball so we can set up for a non-hurried play?
Jeff Gordon: They got to fourth down twice, so in each of those cases the team just had to make a play on the fly.
The killer play was the second-to-last pass -- to Jackson in the middle of the field for a minimal gain. That made the last play of the game a bit of a cluster.
The killer play was the second-to-last pass -- to Jackson in the middle of the field for a minimal gain. That made the last play of the game a bit of a cluster.
JoeBacc: The only thing worse than our receiving core heading into this game was the Saint's defensive backs. Brandon Gibson outplays all of NO's receivers. Jackson continues his ProBowl case. We finished with more yards and first downs than the Saints offense. We picked off Drew Brees twice. Bulger threw 2 TD's to Donnie Avery. Chris Long gets a game saving sack. We put up over 20 pts. And we lost. You can't make this stuff up. A loss is a loss is a loss and this loss which was supposed to be by 50 pts still ended up hurting.
Jeff Gordon: This game was a tease, but most fans just seem happy to see a competent performance for a change.
Neal: Gordo, Clock management was an issue on that last drive. Doesn't that fall on spags shoulders.
Jeff Gordon: What can he do? He doesn't call the plays and he has no timeouts. This is a checkdown offense and the Saints were back in prevent coverage. Marc settled for minimal gainers in the middle of the field that kept the clock rolling. Not sure there were anything else there for him, but those short completions ate up too much time.
Ozy Rams Fan: Gordo,
Lost by a kickoff return, after a article how improved the special teams was. Kinda ironic
How do you rate Bulgers day, was it the best of the year ?
OZY
Lost by a kickoff return, after a article how improved the special teams was. Kinda ironic
How do you rate Bulgers day, was it the best of the year ?
OZY
Jeff Gordon: Easily Marc's best day, yes.
Jim Thomas was lamenting your very special teams point. He felt like our piece was a kiss of death for the team.
Jim Thomas was lamenting your very special teams point. He felt like our piece was a kiss of death for the team.
JoeBacc: Is it crazy to think that today Spags, Shurmur and Flajole out-coached the Saints? I think it just came down to being barely out-played by a seemingly more talented football team. The only questionable call of the game was the onside kick with 3 minutes and 2 TOs left which still gave us a chance to win.
Jeff Gordon: Spags said the bid for the onside kick was a sign of respect for the N.O. offense. Can't argue with that.
I was shocked the Rams got N.O. off the field without a first down there.
I was shocked the Rams got N.O. off the field without a first down there.
Morris Graham: Jeff,
A few weeks back, fans were arguing about the possibility of the Rams losing to the Tuskers. Can we put that kind of nonsense behind us?
Morris Graham
A few weeks back, fans were arguing about the possibility of the Rams losing to the Tuskers. Can we put that kind of nonsense behind us?
Morris Graham
Jeff Gordon: Yes. This effort beats a lot of teams. Let's see if they can do it again.
David: So the Rams can hang with the Saints until the last play of the game, but lose almost every other game against a good team or not quite drastically, and need the last drive to finish of the Lions. Did the Rams turn it up because it was the Saints, are the Rams actually improving, did the Saints overlook the Rams, did injuries hamper the Saints, or did the bye help the Rams? I personally think it's 3 & 4, but that's just me.
Jeff Gordon: The Rams have had devastating injuries, too, so there is no sympathy for the Saints there. I do think the Rams are improving, especially along the offensive line and at WR with Gibson taking charge and Avery maturing.
Pebbles: Hi Jeff,
I listened to the entire game on the radio and i didn't hear Jason Smith's name once (which is always a good thing for an O-lineman). How do you think he did overall? Was he as impressive this week as he was in Detroit?
Thanks you very much.
I listened to the entire game on the radio and i didn't hear Jason Smith's name once (which is always a good thing for an O-lineman). How do you think he did overall? Was he as impressive this week as he was in Detroit?
Thanks you very much.
Jeff Gordon: The O-line played very well. Bulget took a couple of coverage sacks, but was protected well overall. The run blocking was great.
superfan24: Gordo,
First Rams game in a while where I could really feel confident in the offense and very immpressed with Brandon Gibson. I have to agree with Trent Green on the bad call to go for the onside kick. The offense could have had much better field position and an easier time scoring the touchdown. Also I think it was apparent today that the defense needs someone like Suh from Nebraska on the d-line. Do you agree?
Thanks for your time,
Brian from Chicago
First Rams game in a while where I could really feel confident in the offense and very immpressed with Brandon Gibson. I have to agree with Trent Green on the bad call to go for the onside kick. The offense could have had much better field position and an easier time scoring the touchdown. Also I think it was apparent today that the defense needs someone like Suh from Nebraska on the d-line. Do you agree?
Thanks for your time,
Brian from Chicago
Jeff Gordon: The Rams like Clifton Ryan at DT, but a huge kid like that would add to the group. Then again, so would a lot of things -- a big WR, a dynamic OLB, a big CB, a pass-rushing DE . . .
Eldrick Favrsham, Jr.: Gordo-Just for th fun of conversation, what do you think the Rams record would be this year up to this point if they had Peyton Manning as their QB (just that one change- all other players are the same)?
Jeff Gordon: The Rams would be around .500 with Manning -- maybe over .500 if could bring his offensive scheme with him.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, during that last booth review, shouldn't Spags be talking to Bulger about what plays to call being we have no timeouts and around 1 minute left, instead of kneeling on the ground hoping the catch isn't overturned by himself. I bet Sean Peyton would have been talking to Drew Brees if the roles were reversed. I'm not impressed with Spags hurry up coaching ability or time management at all.
Jeff Gordon: Spags doesn't have anything to do with the two-minute offensive script. Bulger had his next play and was ready to go.
peter: Thank you Rams for your "effort"...good luck next time!!
Jeff Gordon: I'll pass that along.
Steve W: I finally enjoyed watching the Rams play. Disappointed for sure with the loss, but they played hard. I still feel very strongly that one of the biggest problems with the Rams is their offensive line play. To often defenders are in the backfield right after the snap. To often Bulger has little time to survey the field and throw. I also believe that the offensive lineman on the Rams are capable but something is lacking in their coaching and/or blocking schemes. SJ is an inspiration to this team. Gibson looks like a keeper.
Jeff Gordon: The offensive line was fine today, as evidenced by Jackson's 5.0 yards per carry and Bulger taking just two sacks for five yards, both because of coverage.
longerjohns: Gordo,
I thought the receivers let Bulger down today. Balls bouncing off numbers in the end zone is intolerable and amateurish. Did you see it the same way or does another factor register in your opinion?
I thought the receivers let Bulger down today. Balls bouncing off numbers in the end zone is intolerable and amateurish. Did you see it the same way or does another factor register in your opinion?
Jeff Gordon: The Amendola blunder cost the team points, maybe the game. He was off to the races if he catches that ball.
virginiatom: Take away the kick off return and its a different ball game. I know the Rams have done better in the return game this year, but when will they learn that special teams count.
Jeff Gordon: Their kick coverage has been really good -- except for that one play.
George Allen: Hi Jeff,
Just a couple of comments and wanted to see if you agree. 1. The problem has NEVER been Bulger. All season long he has had NO receiving threats. Notice with Gibson in there drives were prolonged, a first. 2. Incognito is a POOR lineman. In the 2 games that Bulger's had time to throw Incognito was out with injury. 3. Up until this game play-calling has been very poor. I think the idea should be when they expect run you pass and they expect pass you run. It's not totally the coaches fault either, this is the first they had a guy who can really catch the football and, without Incognito, a line could block succesfully. Bell is no mountain either. Do you agree?
Just a couple of comments and wanted to see if you agree. 1. The problem has NEVER been Bulger. All season long he has had NO receiving threats. Notice with Gibson in there drives were prolonged, a first. 2. Incognito is a POOR lineman. In the 2 games that Bulger's had time to throw Incognito was out with injury. 3. Up until this game play-calling has been very poor. I think the idea should be when they expect run you pass and they expect pass you run. It's not totally the coaches fault either, this is the first they had a guy who can really catch the football and, without Incognito, a line could block succesfully. Bell is no mountain either. Do you agree?
Jeff Gordon: Yes, Gibson is light years ahead of the other WRs we've seen opposite Avery this year. He could take those shorter passes and make people miss. He has size. He has better wheels than Burton has. The playcalling was more ambitous and it paid off. Even after that bad INT, the Rams keep gunning. That was huge.
Jerome Cox: Hi Gordo,
Brandon Gibson gets open and chatches the ball What is your evaluation of him for this game??
jerry
Brandon Gibson gets open and chatches the ball What is your evaluation of him for this game??
jerry
Jeff Gordon: And he had YAC, yards after catch. Very impressive, especially after watching Tim Carter play.
Hixter: Very impressed with the Rams today. I know it's still a loss but they made my Sunday. I didn't expect them to be this competitive against an upper echelon team. Gibson looks for real. What should we expect from Ruvell Martin? If it turns out the guy can play, Avery, Gibson, Laurent Robinson and Amendola for returns for next year looks a whole lot better than how we started this year at WR. The Rams still need more playmakers but Devaney and company appear to know what they're doing with these acquisitions. Thoughts?
Jeff Gordon: Gibson makes Devaney look good, for sure, since fans were crushing this guy before this breakout game. I'd love to see what Martin could do, too. Now that Burton is gone, why not play him?
Roanoke: Opportunities missed. That ST TD really hurt. Yet, if Bulger would make better throws we might have still won (i.e., no interception, and hit Avery not the defender's back on that final drive). What kind of clock management was that from Bulger, throwing those short passes, instead of throwing it away?
Jeff Gordon: A bit more loft on that pass to Avery and he scores. He had a step, which was scary for N.O.
longerjohns: Let's see your grades, Gordo:
Offense
Defense
Special Teams
Coaching
I say, B+, B, C-, C+
Offense
Defense
Special Teams
Coaching
I say, B+, B, C-, C+
Jeff Gordon: Offense: B (good performance compared to expetations)
Defense: A- (three turnovers, key late stops)
Special Teams: F (kickoff return for TD)
Coaching: B- (offense got a little conservative in second half.)
Defense: A- (three turnovers, key late stops)
Special Teams: F (kickoff return for TD)
Coaching: B- (offense got a little conservative in second half.)
Roanoke: Good effort, but again, the Rams should have finished better. Gibson was just great today, and we're going to need it with Burton down. Tell me that the Rams aren't going to re-sign Tim Carter.
Jeff Gordon: Now it's time to see Martin play.
randy: Wow we actually looked good again today,Marc Bulger looked good,Chris Long looked good with that bullrush sack,Steven Jackson continues to amaze me,Jason Smith looked awesome again,Donnie Avery 2 touchdowns!and Brandon Gibson really impressed me 7 catches 93 yards,I have to give Mr.Devaney his props another good pick up,he really knew what he was doing when he made the trade for him.I really like the direction of where this team is headed,we almost upseted the 8-0 Saints.Go Rams will continue to grow and we will be a good football team under Coach Spags,Devaney,Demoff ,and CO.
Jeff Gordon: That may be the happiest post of the whole year.
William morris: Hey Gordo,
This was the best game Ive seen the rams play all season on both sides of the ball. Defense played well holding the saints to only 28. Offense scored 3... yeah i said THREE touchdowns on offense and gave the saints a big scare at the end. I dont mind losing like that, excellent performance by the players and coaches.
Now to my question. The rest of these games will be purely to see who stays and who goes next season. Here is my list of for sure stays and goes.
Have to stay: Jackson, OJ, Jason Smith, Jason Brown, Butler, Bartell, and Laurintis. Besides that there are some border line guys but them for sure. Only person who brings nothing to the table on a daily basis is Randy M, he has to go.
But after watching avery and gibson, along with some of our injured WR like Robiinson, im not so sure WR is our biggest weakness like i previously thought. So after the last two weeks i dont know who to draft anymore in the first three rounds. By position, what would you do? I think QB, TE or DT, then LB. But most importantly DRAFT THE BEST PLAYER ON THE BOARD!!!!! Do you agree?
This was the best game Ive seen the rams play all season on both sides of the ball. Defense played well holding the saints to only 28. Offense scored 3... yeah i said THREE touchdowns on offense and gave the saints a big scare at the end. I dont mind losing like that, excellent performance by the players and coaches.
Now to my question. The rest of these games will be purely to see who stays and who goes next season. Here is my list of for sure stays and goes.
Have to stay: Jackson, OJ, Jason Smith, Jason Brown, Butler, Bartell, and Laurintis. Besides that there are some border line guys but them for sure. Only person who brings nothing to the table on a daily basis is Randy M, he has to go.
But after watching avery and gibson, along with some of our injured WR like Robiinson, im not so sure WR is our biggest weakness like i previously thought. So after the last two weeks i dont know who to draft anymore in the first three rounds. By position, what would you do? I think QB, TE or DT, then LB. But most importantly DRAFT THE BEST PLAYER ON THE BOARD!!!!! Do you agree?
Jeff Gordon: Many needs here, so, yes, take the best player. Don't overpay a young QB in the first round unless you are 100 percent sold.
Yeah, McMichael has run his course here.
Yeah, McMichael has run his course here.
Hixter: Gordo,
The next time you see Trent Green you might want to mention to him to not refer to the Rams as "we" and the opposing team as "they" when talking about the two teams playing. He's supposed to be impartial but it was funny to see him get caught up in the excitement during the 4th quarter.
thanks!
The next time you see Trent Green you might want to mention to him to not refer to the Rams as "we" and the opposing team as "they" when talking about the two teams playing. He's supposed to be impartial but it was funny to see him get caught up in the excitement during the 4th quarter.
thanks!
Jeff Gordon: At least he still cares . . .
JoeBacc: Do the Rams walk out of this game a more respectable football team? I want your prediction for next week. Will the fans in STL recreate the same hostile environment for the Arizona Cardinals and get behind this team again? As a Rams fan in Pittsburgh I've never been to a Rams home game but I'd be at every single one if I could. Gordo, do the fans end the booing VS AZ?
Jeff Gordon: You will see more real excitement among the fans next, but we're a ways from seeing a real home-field edge return.
eternalramnation: Gordo,
Do we practice the two minutes drill? The passes to Jackson made absolutely no sense and easily killed 45 seconds in that last drive.
Also does anyone have an explanation why we only carry only 4 receivers on the active list on game day? It makes absolutely no sense.
But on the plus side we didn't have our heads handed to us. I just hope this is a peak at things to come and not the Saints taking us too lightly.
Do we practice the two minutes drill? The passes to Jackson made absolutely no sense and easily killed 45 seconds in that last drive.
Also does anyone have an explanation why we only carry only 4 receivers on the active list on game day? It makes absolutely no sense.
But on the plus side we didn't have our heads handed to us. I just hope this is a peak at things to come and not the Saints taking us too lightly.
Jeff Gordon: The Saints realized they were in a game and picked it up. But the Rams still took a late run, which was encouraging.
Jeff Chartier: Happy with the effort. Team just needs time and more players. Am going to game in Arizona and hopefully will see a competitive effort. Lets be smart with our draft picks this year.
Jeff Gordon: That would be the plan.
rickdk: gordo: is it ok now to let Richie leave?
Jeff Gordon: Goldberg is playing very well at guard. Barring injuries that would force him to move, I can see no reason to change that any time soon. What happens to Richie at year's end will be interesting to see.
Mike: A few points/questions about today's game:
1. What was that dump off to Steven Jackson on the second to last play of the game? Your 40 yards from the endzone on third down and throw a four yard pass over the middle!?! I don't care if there was a good pass rush, this isn't getting the job done.
2. Way to set the tone for the second half on the opening kickoff.
3. This is PROFESSIONAL football. There are no moral victories.
4. Was Spagnuolo praying on the replay of Gibson's fourth down catch on the final drive. Tell Gerry Genuflection to get off his knees and act like an NFL Head Coach. God doesn't care about football games, nor should He. The Head Coach should be calling the next play. Way to get involved in the offense, Coach!
1. What was that dump off to Steven Jackson on the second to last play of the game? Your 40 yards from the endzone on third down and throw a four yard pass over the middle!?! I don't care if there was a good pass rush, this isn't getting the job done.
2. Way to set the tone for the second half on the opening kickoff.
3. This is PROFESSIONAL football. There are no moral victories.
4. Was Spagnuolo praying on the replay of Gibson's fourth down catch on the final drive. Tell Gerry Genuflection to get off his knees and act like an NFL Head Coach. God doesn't care about football games, nor should He. The Head Coach should be calling the next play. Way to get involved in the offense, Coach!
Jeff Gordon: Yes, he was praying.
John Madden: Jeff, a few quick observations....
1. Randy McMichael stinks !!! He has at least one third down drop in
EVERY game this year !!! Adios 84 !!!
2. Brandon Gibson looks very impressive !!!
3. O-Line is coming together !!!
4. Bulger's accuracy is not his biggest problem...His DECISION making is
TERRIBLE !!! That last "do or die" drive...just like usual, he throws
several short passes to the middle of the field.... What is he thinking?
There is very little time left, no timeouts, and we need BIG yardage !!!
I thought he was smart !!! These short passes have been all year...
especially on third and long, he checks down almost every time !!!
Please agree with me !!!
1. Randy McMichael stinks !!! He has at least one third down drop in
EVERY game this year !!! Adios 84 !!!
2. Brandon Gibson looks very impressive !!!
3. O-Line is coming together !!!
4. Bulger's accuracy is not his biggest problem...His DECISION making is
TERRIBLE !!! That last "do or die" drive...just like usual, he throws
several short passes to the middle of the field.... What is he thinking?
There is very little time left, no timeouts, and we need BIG yardage !!!
I thought he was smart !!! These short passes have been all year...
especially on third and long, he checks down almost every time !!!
Please agree with me !!!
Jeff Gordon: This is a check down offense, so you will see a lot of checkdowns. He did have Avery loose up the right sideline and just left his pass short. That could have been the breaker.
gary m: hi mr gorden, why so many boo birds? i thought the rams played very tough today, bulger as well
Jeff Gordon: When you lost almost every single game, fans will keep booing.
smittywyo: Jeff, i would have to say the 3rd quarter proved to be the difference. No movement by the "O" and of course the kickoff return. It seemed the offense kind of stalled in the third.
Jeff Gordon: The Rams offense went back into a shell for a couple of possessions, which was a shame.
Jerome Cox: What's the injury report on WR Burton?
jerry
jerry
Jeff Gordon: Patella injury, likely quite serious.
Yuma Ram: Gordo
How good would Denario Alexander look with horns on his helemt? Will he be ther in the 2nd or 3rd round?
How good would Denario Alexander look with horns on his helemt? Will he be ther in the 2nd or 3rd round?
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, he should be a second-round guy due to all the injuries. But he would be a great fit, yes.
zzzippper: Did anyone agree with the onside kick decision?
Jeff Gordon: That is one of the best offenses every assembled. I onside kick there. It's great that the Rams managed a three-and-out stop, but if the Rams had kicked away and then New Orleans had gobbled up the clock, fans would have called Spags gutless.
Billy Waddy: I have convinced myself that the Rams will not pick a QB in the first round. Where are you on that now?
Jeff Gordon: None of the college QBs look like high first-round guys to me.
Mike: Are you finally finished with the talk about how the Rams don't have enough talent to compete with most NFL teams? The talent level is on a par with the bottom 12 teams in the league. With reasonable coaching and quarterbacking, this team could have 4 or 5 wins.
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, this team isn't far from four wins, when you look the Skins and Jags games. This team has gotten better by adding Gibson at WR and getting Smith healthy and acclimated at RT. Getting Butler back at safety was big, too. By playing more kids, we've seen guys progress.
Bulger has played better the past two weeks, which also helps.
Bulger has played better the past two weeks, which also helps.
sananton ramsfan: Bulger isnt all too blame here. I watched the game from here in TX, and it pains me week after week to see these receivers. If a play is made here and there Bulger is the hero. But with these guys ,hes the goat and remembered for HIS poor plays. Why dont we mention Amendola or Mcmichael? These guys are weak! Wasnt Deiter Brock worse on a better team? Tell me we've got other problems than Bulger. Thoughts?
Jeff Gordon: Yes, there are other problems, as you noted.
ramfanoncapecod: Hi Jeff, 2 minutes left and spags is talking to the defense With the coach tapping his shoulder saying 3rd down, why wasnt spags watching the game? And again play calling makes me wonder about fitz, another game we should have won, Thanks for taking my question
Jeff Gordon: Spags doesn't call the plays. And, yes, he will talk with the defense from time to time.
JoeBacc: Atogwe made his case again today that his creates turnover = no Eric Berry. I think you've made it perfectly clear that you feel none of the QB's in this draft are worthy of such a high pick. Dez Bryant likely isn't an option and none of the linebackers or DEs look likely either. Is Suh, Nebraska's DT, the hands-down selection right now should he fall to us? What if he doesn't?
Jeff Gordon: I could see Spags going for this guy in a heartbeat, since he wants to rebuild from the lines out.
Ben: A couple of stupid mistakes, Amendola should have caught that easy pass, and Fells should have caught the 2 point conversion. Gibsons amount of yards after catch is very impressive. Jackson is unbelievable, and finally Donnie is playing well. Shurmur MUST call better plays. Great game, I love the rams.
Jeff Gordon: I hope that the Rams remains aggressive after seeing these offensive results.
Rams 5010: Gordo,
Farr said on the post game show that the O line of the Rams is light years ahead of what it was and has steadily improved over the last few games. With some good coaching and luck, perhaps the Rams can get another win or two this season. I think Gibson was a real find and we all have to thank Devaney and company for this pick-up.
Farr said on the post game show that the O line of the Rams is light years ahead of what it was and has steadily improved over the last few games. With some good coaching and luck, perhaps the Rams can get another win or two this season. I think Gibson was a real find and we all have to thank Devaney and company for this pick-up.
Jeff Gordon: The O-line was great, no doubt about it. There is hope!
Billy Waddy: Bulger has not been pounded in the last several games. This has to pay divdends for us in the near future.
Jeff Gordon: Good point. He might have another win or two left in that body. I liked how he moved around today and made a few plays with his feet. He really did!
JoeBacc: Pin this loss on one play. Bulger's INT, Amendola's drop or Drew Brees' last TD.
Jeff Gordon: The kickoff return to the start the second half became the difference.
Dan: Great effort, many positives that we haven't seen much of this season. But.... the clock mis-management on that last drive is inexecusable - especially for a veteran QB.
Jeff Gordon: A veteran QB in a checkdown offense with limited WR options against a prevent defense. That was a recipe for failure. And yet, with more oomph on that pass to Avery, maybe the Rams win.
David: Barron's false start penalty after Atogwe's strip that put the Rams 1st and 15. And his holding penalty at the end, though it didn't play a factor. But he should be better than that.
Jeff Gordon: All day he helped the Rams handle the Saints. Look at the sack total, look at the yards per carry. He shares in that.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, I disagree with you, Spags is the Head Coach, and he should be responsible and involved in every part of the game. He can't say for example the special teams coach costed us the game, The responsibilty falls on him.
Jeff Gordon: Martz didn't do much with with his defense on the sidelines and he won the NFC title as a head coach. That is not all that unusual.
oneramsfan: now it would be interesting to see how competitive gibson and avery get in practice. I am very excited!
Jeff Gordon: Next year this team should have a much more competitive WR group.
SteveS: YEAH - A MORAL VICTORY. We didn't get blown out. Bulger still checks down way too much and Shurmur struggles calling a game. It looks like Bulger is afraid to throw it downfield. What a difference from his Mike Martz days. Amendola was wide open on the second last play but Bulger did not see him.
Jeff Gordon: Bulger isn't afraid to throw downfield, as we saw throughout the game. But it IS a checkdown offense.
William morris: Gordo,
Congrats to Rams! Very Proud. But for next year; I think our defense will get better when we add talent. But I believe our offense would be better with an experienced, seasoned o-coordinator to run the offense. Do you agree?
Congrats to Rams! Very Proud. But for next year; I think our defense will get better when we add talent. But I believe our offense would be better with an experienced, seasoned o-coordinator to run the offense. Do you agree?
Jeff Gordon: Or give this guy better WR depth, RB defense, TE play, QB play and O-line continuity.
Mr. Faithful: I never thought I'd be saying this, but the Rams really looked like they have found the right people. They fought and gained a ton of respect by giving the Saints a huge scare. I would've never thought they would have a chance to WIN it on the last play. The team looks poised and I think Spags has brought the players back some dignity and fight. I had predicted New Orleans would put up 50. Nice job Spags and Rams, even with losing ANOTHER WR to injury. Is this a curse or does that turf need to be re-evaluated? I know bad teams lose players to injury, but this seems disproportional.
Jeff Gordon: The turf IS a problem. It would be nice to find a way to break this rug in and use it year after year.
Ed: I say it everyweek I trully beleive the Rams should draft Taylor Mays hes big enough to play weakside linebacker and fast enough to play safety,especially since the Rams like to play safe with six defensive backs St.Louis could have a great seconday with James Butler,O.J.Atogwe,Ron Bartell,Bradley Fletcher,Craig Dahl, and Taylor Mays and then move him to the weakside linebacker position some say hes the top talent in the draft at 6-3 235 and he can supposedly run a 4.3 40 i mean A.J Hawk was drafted 5th overall by Greenbay in the 2006 draft,and Taylor Mays is a much better prospect with much more upside him and Laurenaitis would be a great tandem for the Next decade.Draft the best defensive talent then get a QB in round two.Do you think that would be a good Idea or am I just being rediculous,because I beleive he will be great.Thankyou
Jeff Gordon: The Rams have great safeties and undersized OLBs. Sorry, not buying.
nevadariverranch: Jeff, I must agree witother posters that the Rams are not that far away from being a winning team. Improvements have been made, it is slow and fustrating though.
Jeff Gordon: If the Rams had played Jacksonville and Washington here, they would have three wins with a shot a few more. But they just have to keep improving. If they repeat this effort again and again the rest of the year, they will win a few games.
St. Lou Angeles of Cleveland: I had the rams at 4-12, going into the season. Do you think they can get there?
Jeff Gordon: If they played like this every time out, yes, they could get there.
wiramfan: Who do you think messed up the final drive? Bulger should know enough to throw the ball away rather than a 2 yard check down!! The screen play was a gamble that didn't payoff, I can live with that, but the other Bulger checkdowns killed this drive and game. Hey how about getting a WR that catches a slant pattern that could get your team right back into the game!!! This team will continue to suffer because they did not address the WR problems before the season started!!! Frustrating, but I do see some improvement, but its all about winning!!!!!!!!!
Jeff Gordon: The checkdown to Jackson was the big mistake.
MarkHunter: wait wait wait. didn't get to watch the game. spags was praying?? like, down on his knees, hands together, eyes closed PRAYING?? when does that happen? is that even remotely professional/acceptable?
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, he was praying. And if people keep complaining, they will struck by lightning.
That's it for this week. See you next time!
That's it for this week. See you next time!
log in now
Not a member? Register now
live discussions
new start career training
Dead end job? Search here for the training you need to revive your career today!
buy tickets
