Road Kill
by Rams Nation's Don Ackerman
Before today, the Saint Louis Rams were on the outside looking in. Before today's
10-49 butt-kickin', I was actually thinking that if the Rams didn't win the
division, their only home game could be the NFC championship. After weeks of
being on & off life support, the Rams post-season dreams are over.
Road Woes
In 2002, the Rams are 1-6 on the road with their sole win at the 5-8 Arizona
Cardinals (whom we consequently face next Sunday night on ESPN's prime time
but not prime matchup). The defending NFC champs simply couldn't get it all
together and fared worst on the road. Instead of taking advantage of a wide-open
NFL (parity rules, right?), the Rams are a very disappointing 5-8 and have to
be as puzzled as I am about the road struggles.
Next Steps?
What happens in the final three games should show us what might be in store
for 2003. With the season over today, the Rams now have the opportunity to give
every young player a serious look and rest the weary. We should get to see who's
staying and who's going. Just like the last 10 weeks, the biggest and most-watched
position will continue to be quarterback. Do we see more of Jamie Martin? Does
Marc Bulger get more minutes? Should be fun to watch as we look ahead to next
season. How this season ends will be another test for Mike Martz in an unfathomable
2002 season.
5-11 or 8-8?
After 3 straight playoff appearances, the Rams' best efforts could land them
at 8-8. If they continue to play like they have for a last 3 games, they will
be 5-11. Hard to believe we dropped so far after last year's 14-2 season. If
the Rams drop to 5-11, maybe the 2003 Rams are the next worst-to-first candidate?
Rams fans can only hope that's the case.
I'm shaking my head in disbelief after another debacle in Kansas City. The
only good news is that you won't see another regular season tilt in Kansas City
until 2010.
Ram on,
Don