Archive for June, 2007
Friday, June 15th, 2007
By Bill Coats
Given their bulk, it’s doubtful whether rookie defensive linemen Clifton Ryan
(6 feet 3 and 310 pounds) and Keith Jackson (6-0 and 315) have missed many
meals. Still, their appetites remain strong, and that’s what Rams coach Scott
Linehan likes most about them.
“They’re very hungry,” Linehan said. “I think they see a great opportunity, and
hopefully they’ll seize that.”
The opportunity was created a week ago, when the Rams traded nose tackle Jimmy
Kennedy to Denver for a sixth-round draft pick next year. Suddenly, a job was
open behind projected starter Adam Carriker, the Rams’ first-round draftee this
year.
(more…)
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Friday, June 15th, 2007
By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
After missing two games in 2005 because of a knee injury, Torry Holt thought
about surgery after that season but opted against it.
“I just didn’t want to go back under the knife,” Holt said. “I felt like if I
rehabbed and prepared and trained and did all the necessary things in the
weight room, I could get it strong enough where I could go out and compete.”
But Holt’s right knee left him no choice after last season. One look at the
wide receiver minutes after the ‘06 finale in Minnesota was telling. As the
victorious Rams headed toward the visitors’ locker room following that game,
Holt came limping up the hallway in the Metrodome.
(more…)
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Monday, June 11th, 2007
By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Only five of 13 defensive linemen on the Rams’ current roster boast more than
one year of NFL experience. The eight others include five rookies — draft picks
Adam Carriker, Clifton Ryan and Keith Jackson, plus free agents Alton Pettway
and Ryan Willis.
Second-year coach Scott Linehan might not seem like a gambler, but he’s ready
to roll the dice in this vital area. “We’ve kind of taken a leap of faith with
some of these younger players,” he acknowledged.
The No. 1 challenge for the Rams defensively is improving against the run. They
were 31st in the 32-team league in that category last year and ranked no higher
than 15th in any of the past five seasons. During that span, their overall
record was 42-41.
(more…)
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Monday, June 11th, 2007
ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO (TICKER) — The Denver Broncos on Friday acquired defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy from the St. Louis Rams for a future draft choice.
Looking to add bulk to their defensive line, the Broncos signed 350-pound tackle Sam Adams on Monday.
Now the Broncos apparently have landed the 325-pound Kennedy, who has been a bust since being drafted 12th overall in 2003. Kennedy has registered 67 tackles and four sacks in 53 career games.
“We want to thank Jimmy for the contributions he made during his time here,” Rams coach Scott Linehan said. “After evaluating the young players we brought in the last month and talking to our defensive coaching staff we felt the time was right to make this move.”
The Rams made defensive a priority in April’s draft, taking defensive end Adam Carriker in the first round and tackle Clifton Ryan in the fifth round. In 2006, the team took tackle Claude Wroten in the third round.
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Friday, June 8th, 2007
By Jeff Gordon
ONLINE SPORTS COLUMNIST
Step by step, Scott Linehan and Jim Haslett are moving their favorites into key
places in the Rams defense.
The latest move came Tuesday, when the Rams finally got around to letting
cornerback Jerametrius Butler go. Linehan was never going to bring him to
training camp – not after burying him last season, even after injuries stacked
up.
(Had the Rams employed a mascot last season, he might have seen significant
action against Butler. J.B. was to be used as an absolutely, positively last
resort.)
(more…)
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Friday, June 8th, 2007
By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
First, he took Marshall Faulk’s job. Now, Rams running back Steven Jackson is
going after Faulk’s records.
“My goal is 2,500 total yards from scrimmage,” Jackson said Thursday. “And how
I get it doesn’t matter. But I want to get to that number.”
If he does, Jackson would replace Faulk as the NFL’s single-season
record-holder. Faulk piled up 2,429 yards in 1999 — 1,381 rushing, 1,048
receiving — a season that culminated with a Rams Super Bowl championship.
(more…)
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