Giant Setback for Kurt & Rams
By Rams Nation's Don Ackerman
Kurt often looked lost, confused, and unable to handle the pressure the New York Giants applied. There must be something going on and the defensive coordinators
definitely have a formula for handling Kurt. But Kurt wasn't all bad. He had
some passes that zipped down the field right on target. I suspect he could still
zip a ball through a car tire with one eye shut.
This game was another Kurt nightmare. In fact, this nightmare seems all to
familiar. I had it a couple of times last year. My other nightmares included
a 20-17 loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday, November 24, 2002 on the
Rams' last drive. My Washington nightmare is just about too much. Maybe you've
had the same dream. With 17 seconds left in the game, the Rams are down by 3
and are at the 6-yard line. We score, we win. Mr. MVP drops back and then it
goes bad. He fumbles the ball! The ball is recovered by the Redskins and Saint
Louis loses. I wake up in a cold sweat.
The Kurt I saw today looked like that guy from my nightmare. Today Kurt had
6 turnovers! Early in the game, Orlando Pace saved one with a dexterous maneuver.
While leaping toward the ball, Orlando earned my respect with a one armed scoop
and retrieval of the ball. With that play, I though the Rams had it and this
was there day. Wow, was I wrong!
Instead, the Rams looked out of sync. There's no reason for this and the Rams'
coaching staff must be baffled. The Rams are just unable to take advantage of
anything. They have great talent at running back and wide receiver but cannot
get it rolling. I hate to think it but I'm starting to doubt Warner can do it.
Maybe he's a one-hit wonder. I just don't know.
Since I have no idea what is going on with Kurt, I'll say one last thing. For
the last year, the media has lost its darling, it's Cinderella story. The ex-HyVee
clerk is no longer an inspiration but a question of "what happened?"
I had hoped after the preseason success, that this question was gone but the
story is back and bigger than ever.
One Bright Spot
It wasn't all doom & gloom. All things considered, it's amazing that the
Rams still had a chance in this game. Besides that wasted opportunity, rookie
Arlen Harris (#33) looked sharp and showed everyone that he belonged in the
NFL this week. Way to go, Arlen!
Now What?
I don't know what's next but I know who's next. After stinking up the swamp,
the Rams limp home to face the rival Whiners. Early in their game, the Whiners
were skinning the Bears for their trophy wall. It will be interesting to see
what Saint Louis can do in 7 days.
Ram on,
Don