 DK COX: SOME Q & A FOR WEEK 7 (Oct 21) |
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Q: How much of
Rams success in 99 is Warner, how much is it Martz and the system, how much is it the
skill positions? A: Actually I believe it's the skill positions. They are making both Martz & Warner look very good. It is true that it would not work without Martz's style of offense & more importantly his aggressive play calling (as Ike said its nice having someone who is not a "wuss" calling the plays). Still...plug in last year's top 3 guys (Proehl, Kennison, Thomas & RB by committee..Henley, Moore...though they did well when HIll was healthy). Now compare them to this year's (Bruce, Holt, Hakim, Proehl & Marhsall). Holcombe is a big "skilled" upgrade for his versatility to the FB position compared to Harris. This is no knock on Kurt or Mike, but I believe a strong group of skill players like this one is very rarely assembled in today's free agency era. Everything fell in place: Ike healed up, Holt was a top WR in draft, Hakim was a 4th round steal on very important 2nd of the draft (& someone no one heard of last year nationally), Faulk comes for a 2nd & 5th). This all adds up to Martz & Warner getting the press---but those moves are the difference. Q. Which assistant coaches are doing the best job? A: Excluding coordinators, I would say Al Saunders has made a huge impact as a newcomer & if I had to choose one it would be him. Very difficult to do with the overall success of this team but I believe it all starts with Ike & Al got him & company playing incredibly. Q. Remember the old Air Coryell? How similar/different is the Rams offense? A: The "old" Air Coryell offense has evolved as all things in life do! Back then they had guys who could just make plays & run great patterns, with Winslow being the only guy having the opportunity to take advantage of mismatches. He had the skills of the recievers during that time but was matched up against the LBs (no contest). This Martz offense creates wonderful matchups. I've seen an MLB on Faulk, very soft zones on Ike, Holcombe by himself out wide, & everyone uncovered at one time or another. Exciting to watch---wish we had more full field overhead shots available to us. Q. Do the Rams have a serious weakness at TE or is Martz just keeping the TEs in for maximum protection packages? A: Weakness. This offense can easily exploit a TE, and yet they have not been able to do it much. I would like to see Chad Lewis get more opportunities in a 2 TE set, instead of Robinson. Q: Is the Rams defense capable of taking control of a close game? Or is it benefitting from the blowout scores? A: This defense held up fine last year in a terrible situation. Barring injuries I have no real concerns about this defense. Defintely has the ability to win a game themselves and probabaly will at some point this year. Q: What is the most surprising aspect of the Rams resurgence? A: The attitude of the team. This team enjoys playing together & going to war for each other & it shows. Just last year this was a team of many dysfunctional pieces, but this year even the defense & offense get along. Sort of creepy how well. Q: What does Cleveland do best? A: Palmer's vertical game has become short slants that Couch has been used to throwing, & it gives him a sense that he is progressing in his developemnt. It allows guys to make some plays away from the lines. They also have decent talent on offensive line, but have struggled playing as a team. |
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