Holt says Rams players support Linehan
December 29th, 2007 | by Kevin Morris |
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friday, Dec. 28 2007
You wouldn’t always know it by the reaction of the team’s star players, but
Pro Bowl receiver Torry Holt believes Rams coach Scott Linehan has the
confidence of his players.
Holt is among those caught on film this season in apparent sideline
disagreement with the second-year coach. The normally upbeat receiver was seen
screaming at Linehan toward the end of a loss to Pittsburgh on Dec. 20. Earlier
this season, running back Steven Jackson apologized after a sideline tantrum.
And quarterback Marc Bulger was seen rolling his eyes after speaking with
Linehan.
Holt’s endorsement on Friday was hardly overwhelming.
“Yeah, I would say he has the confidence of the offense,” Holt said. “That’s
all we got. We don’t have nothing else. That’s who we have to work with on a
day-to-day basis. I would say he has the confidence of the guys.
“Now is it overflowing confidence? I don’t know. But I think guys have some
confidence in him and some respect for coach.”
Holt, the Rams’ only representative for the Pro Bowl this year, is a team
leader who usually emphasizes the sunny side of things. However, he revealed
another side of his personality after Pittsburgh’s Ike Taylor intercepted
Bulger’s pass late in the game. Taylor returned it 51 yards for a touchdown
that sealed the Steelers’ 41-24 victory.
Television cameras caught Holt unleashing a tirade against Linehan.
“I don’t like getting to that point,” Holt said. “I hate getting to that
point and I hate letting my frustration build up to that point. Never ever do I
lose my composure like that.
“I try to remain calm. I try to remain like a bottle of wine — smooth and
good. But that time I guess the old whiskey came out of me right there.”
For his part, Linehan downplayed the incident, saying it was not a “big
deal” and came in the “heat of the battle.”
Holt said the outburst was partly the result of a disappointing season. The
Rams (3-12) finish up Sunday at Arizona (7-8).
“I was venting some frustration,” Holt said. “It may not have been the
appropriate place to do it. It is what it is. We’ve talked about it. He spoke
his peace and I spoke mine. As far as I’m concerned, it’s put to bed. You move
on.”
Team president John Shaw has said he expects Linehan to be back for a third
season. Linehan is 11-20 since replacing Mike Martz prior to the 2006 season.
Holt wasn’t second-guessing the apparent decision to bring Linehan back.
“That’s up to those guys upstairs,” Holt said. “I’m totally oblivious to
what’s going on. All I do is show up every year and try to live up to my end of
the bargain by being in shape and trying to play at a high level.”
NOTES: CB Fakhir Brown returned to practice Friday after missing two days
with a stomach ailment. Linehan said he would play Sunday. … LB Brandon
Chillar returned to practice after missing two days with a strained calf
muscle. He should play Sunday but if he can’t, rookie Quinton Culberson will
play.
