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RE: Little
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:07 pm

Hacker... I would be suprised if Little would start this year. He'll be a situational guy, pass rusher when he comes back. They love Fletcher in the middle. Little might challenge Collins next season.
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Kickoff returns...Why not Az?
Posted by OC Rich on 10/7 1:41 pm

Why isn't Hakim returning kickoffs? The only thing we have been able to come up with is the injury concern, because I can't believe Horne can carry Az's undergarments when it comes to breakaway ability. If not Az, is there anyone else on the roster that could do it? Horne is way too tentative back there. He is among the lowest ranked return men in the league. His long this year is a whopping 31 yards. That's just not good enough.

Thanks again for your time. I'll be in town for the Cleveland game, so the first round is on me

8-)
Rich

RE: Kickoff returns...Why not Az?
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:09 pm

Rich...you hit the nail on the head. They're worried about Az getting hurt doing both returns and receiving. Horne is the most expendable receiver...fifth overall on the depth chart...and they like him in that job. Vermeil thought he was great last year. I didn't.
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Tory Holts status?
Posted by RAM 23 on 10/7 1:59 pm

This is the biggest game we the fans have looked forward to in some time, is the team ready to get it on?

RAM 23
RAMS Board Admin Team

RE: Tory Holts status?
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:11 pm

This is the most professional, down to earth football team I've ever been around. No question they're ready. The question is, are they good enough.
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Amp Lee
Posted by Ramsrule on 10/7 2:09 pm

Hello Randy,

I would like to here your thoughts on Amp Lee's return to action this Sunday-

A. What will his role be in the offense?
B. Do we, or have the Rams mgmnt., talked about trading him now that he is expendable?

Thanks,
Ramsrule
Rams Board Admin Team

RE: Amp Lee
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:14 pm

Lee practiced a lot today...but he's still questionable. He'll be a third down and long guy when he's ready. I've heard nothing about trading him. When Vermeil traded Hill, one of the reasons he gave was that he had Lee...and would use him this year.
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Air Coryell/Zampese/Turner/Martz
Posted by zn on 10/7 2:45 pm

Hi Randy! First an opinion and then I would really like to hear your response. I am familiar with the old original Air Coryell from years past...but IMO the newest version, Air Martz, is much more innovative in its playcalling, its use of motion, & its ability to set up mismatches. And have you noticed that this weeks top three qbs play one version or another of this offense? (Warner, Johnson, & Bledsoe w/ Zampese). Okay... a question...um...oh I know! In your opinion, what is it about the late 90s NFL game that makes this offense so wildly successful?

RE: Air Coryell/Zampese/Turner/Martz
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:17 pm

Good points on the offense. I think having Faulk rather than Muncie/James Brooks gives them greater flexibility.

Why is the offense successful? Because it's very quarterback friendly. Quick releases mean the fierce pass rushes don't have as much success, and you just keep moving the chains.

Also, with all of the big receivers, teams are going to bigger, less quick (not necessarily slower) CS's. Put a Bruce, Holt, Glenn, or Connell on those 6-2, 210 pounders...it's hard for the CB's to stay with 'em.
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practice
Posted by sirram on 10/7 3:20 pm

Randy, with this upcoming game being the Niners, did you or any media covering the practices notice if the team is alittle tight or nervous about this game. I'm of the belief that this team can and will beat the Niners. Do you expect the Rams to win this game as I do. It is important that they dictate to the other team, that is obvious, but I feel it must begin at the O line, your opinion please. Thank you very much and thank you HERD admin. for the open chat. ONe more thing..Randy are you doing the sage thing.

RE: practice
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:20 pm

Of course I'm doing the sage thing.

The players are hard to read this week, but someone has recommended that they not give the Niners any ammo. They aren't saying much. They do look the same on the practice field. The ball rarely touches the ground.

I think the Rams will win. I think I'm settling in on a 38-21 score...but that could change by Sunday.
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Carter and Lyght......
Posted by tonyde on 10/7 3:29 pm

Randy,

Does Ram management have any plans to get Carter and Lyght signed long term before the end of the 99 season? I know Carter has one year remaining, but he can't be happy playing for 1/4 of what comparable DE's(Strahan, etc) are making. Also, it would make sense to get Lyght extended rather than be forced to tag him again...

Thanks,
Tony

RE: Carter and Lyght......
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:22 pm

They don't have much cap room to do something now. I think to apply to next year's cap, they have to sign the guys around the week after Thanksgiving. They definitely want to sign Carter. Bly's progress will have an impact on Lyght. There aren't many successful 31-32 year old Corners. They also want to get Bruce tied down, if he stays healthy.
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Prediction? 12-4 still on?
Posted by RamRick on 10/7 3:50 pm

Hi Randy. I remember hearing you predict the Rams to go 12-4 before Green's injury. Is that still what you predict? I think 12-4 is very possible and maybe a game better. I just don't see too many teams on schedual that can stop us.

Thanks

RE: Prediction? 12-4 still on?
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:24 pm

RamRick, I'll say 11-5 or 12-4. Losses at Atlanta, San Francisco, Tennessee and Detroit, and maybe one to the Panthers or Saints. Carolina is better than I thought they'd be, and I have Ricky Williams on my fantasy team.
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A couple QB questions
Posted by iyam on 10/7 4:14 pm

Hey Randy -- what's your sense -- and the team's sense -- about Justin's ability to step in should the need arise? And what's your educated guess on the likelihood of Warner's being a Ram next year?

Thanks.

RE: A couple QB questions
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:27 pm

iyam...I talked to Martz last week and asked him about Justin. He said Justin is ready to go. This isn't really a complicated offense. I don't know how good he is.

I would be shocked if Warner isn't here next year. He'll be a restricted FA, and the club knows Green is capable of getting hurt. I'd wait til after 2000 to trade a QB.
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Fletcher at MLB
Posted by Rammed for Life on 10/7 4:15 pm

Welcome back, Randy! Great to have you with us again.

I have only seen tapes of the BALT game. I felt London looked really bad in that game--wandering around and never getting involved.

From what I read, he had a good game against Cincy. That's reassuring.

But I still feel sceptical when I hear the Ram brass talking up how well he is doing.

If we could get beneath the official line, what do they really think of him? Is he a legitimate MLB prospect? Or are they making do until they can get better?

Also, can Collins play in the middle when Little comes back?

RE: Fletcher at MLB
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:29 pm

Vermeil said yesterday that Fletcher isn't overachieving...that he's a real talented player. Flows to the ball, can really run. Front office types would like to see him play every down. He has a chance to be terrific, and he's a great leader.

Like I said below, I don't think Little will start this year if everyone is healthy.
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Key Matchups - Offensive/Defensive lines
Posted by VegasRam on 10/7 5:01 pm

Randy,
Thanks for taking the time to talk to all of us and share your insight. My question for you is, in your opinion, what are the key players/match-ups to watch for in both the offensive and defensive lines? Are the Rams also planning anything special for the seemingly potent 49'er running attack, such as switching more to 8 men in the box for Garner?

RE: Key Matchups - Offensive/Defensive lines
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:35 pm

Vegas Ram...I think, because of the 49er receivers, the Rams will refrain from putting eight in the box and concentrate on stopping the pass. Phillips isn't good, and the front seven should be able to handle Garner (especially the fast Fletcher)

Key matchups...I think Carter will maul Deese. Ray Brown probably gets the better of Farr. Newberry vs. Agnew might be a big edge to the Rams, and I don't have a handle on Wistrom vs. Fiore. It looks to me like Grant can out-quick Fiore. They may be allowed to have their center, Dahlman, get an edge on Agnew so Newberry can help on Carter.

Vermeil is worried about their front four. I see Pace dominating Wilkins, Nutten holding his own with Bryant, and Miller doing OK on Washington. The concern has to be Young, and I think Timmerman, with limited help from Grut and Holcombe, can ward him off. Young is scary. So is Haley against our tackles.
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Realignment: any thoughts, news
Posted by wv ram on 10/7 5:07 pm

I saw some posts the other day about realignment. I dont know anything about it. Is it definitely coming? When? What will it look like?

wv ram

RE: Realignment: any thoughts, news
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:38 pm

When Houston enters the league in 2002, there will be eight, four team divisions. No talk among owners has taken place, although Rooney of Pittsburgh had a plan that moves Seattle into the NFC West with the Rams, Az and SF.

The Rams don't get a vote in realignment as part of their agreement to move to St. Louis, so they could go to the AFC. We won't know for some time.
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Center Position
Posted by ScRAM on 10/7 5:24 pm

Hi Randy,Thanks for being with us again,the buckets of ice to soak your typing fingers in,is on me!!!!LOL!!
My question is,is R.Tucker anywhere near being able to man the center spot,or is this something we will have to look for during the offseason?If it is,is there any free agents out there or college players we should be keeping a eye on?

Thanks,
ScRAM

RE: Center Position
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:40 pm

Thanks for having me, ScRAM. First of all, Hanifan, Matsko and Vermeil all like Gruttadauria. Tough guy, quick. Tucker doesn't look like he'll be an NFL player. McCollum is #2 on the depth chart behind Gruttadauria.

I just haven't paid enough attention to FA's and college guys yet to give you an idea of whom to look for.
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Continued success
Posted by VaRamFan on 10/7 5:32 pm

Thank you very much Randy for taking the time out of your busy day to come and answer questions from the Herd. My question to you would be about the success of the Rams offense, or continued success. Do you think the Rams offense will continue being successful or maybe the D's from the other teams might catch on to us? Thanks for your input.

RE: Continued success
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:43 pm

If Faulk, Bruce, Holt, Hakim and Warner stay healthy, and Warner is on...I don't see how you stop this group. They get away from press coverage, they find seams in the zone, and they have great hands. And if you double cover Bruce and Holt, there's Faulk isolated on a linebacker. Tough to cover. Eventually, though, Warner will have a bad game.
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Defense
Posted by Ram 'em all on 10/7 5:57 pm

Randy,
First of all, thanks for spending time with us again. In your opinion, does the defense for the Rams rank with the best in the NFL, and is it capable of sustaining a long playoff run?

RE: Defense
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:46 pm

Good question, Ram 'em all. Right now, the Ram defense is 4th overall. I don't like their depth at any position, so I question if they can keep it up. Fortunately for them, they don't have to face Anderson, Hearst, have missed out on Chandler and maybe Young. They're good, but not great. Trying to think of a great defense now. Can anyone think of a Steelers/Giants/Bears quality defense? Maybe the Rams are good enough, if they stay healthy.
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About the defense..
Posted by The Rookie on 10/7 6:00 pm

Is there any chance the Rams will lock up Lyght? or is Dre' Bly his replacement? Also what do you think the impact of Little will be returning during week 9 this year?

RE: About the defense..
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:49 pm

If Bly progresses enough, I think he'll be Lyght's replacement. If not, I think they'll find a way to keep Lyght...either sign him or franchise him.

Little should be a great addition. Good pass rusher, fast guy. In several of the practices I saw in training camp, I thought he was the best defensive player on the field. I doubt he'll be in football shape until week 12 or 13.
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Justin Watson
Posted by Shellback on 10/7 6:04 pm

How does he look?
Still like the RB who lead the league in rushing in the preseason.
Or the RB that SD cut?

RE: Justin Watson
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:50 pm

I just haven't seen enough of him. He was in at garbage time against Cincy and practices with the scout team out here. Tough to get a read.
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5 TD's Sunday
Posted by Old Hacker on 10/7 6:06 pm

I'm with you RK
Go Rams !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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DV's Return
Posted by RAMZ 80 on 10/7 6:09 pm

With the Ramz starting so strong,has management decided to keep Coach Vermeil for his remaining contract or look for another coach?

RE: DV's Return
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:52 pm

I think, at the moment, Coach Vermeil is pretty safe.
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INTERNET LURKERS
Posted by RAM-BLE on 10/7 6:10 pm

Based on what you know or believe, do Rams players, coaches, management or their family members check out our bulletin boards on the net?

If so, how widespread is it?

RE: INTERNET LURKERS
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:54 pm

Although they say they don't, I have to believe the players do. I know employees and front office types do surf the net and look in on message boards. In fact, they use E-mail for transactions...and then fax them in too...ooops, sorry.
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Is there any talk amongst our receivers...
Posted by Walker55 on 10/7 6:12 pm

About the size of the Niner secondary? I have heard they are a short bunch.

RE: Is there any talk amongst our receivers..
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:56 pm

There hasn't been much talk about the 9ers at all. No bulletin board material. The Rams don't have the biggest receivers, either...but I think the key to the game will be the Rams receivers edge vs. the Niner CB's.
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Stopping the 49er's over the middle
Posted by Jimfan on 10/7 6:12 pm

Hi Randy. Thanks for sharing your time with us. How do you see the Rams attempting to stop the short pass over the middle? Also, you said the Rams were nervous. Did it appear that they lacked confidence over this game?

RE: Stopping the 49er's over the middle
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 6:58 pm

It's a nervous energy, like they can't wait for the game to start. Edgy.

Good question. Expect SF to attack Jenkins at every opportunity. Greg Clark could have a big day. Maybe we'll finally see Bush. They'll probably have Lyle help out on the TE at times, too.
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pass on a message to tory?
Posted by kailuaram on 10/7 6:26 pm

aloha randy,

maybe you could remind mr. holt of his previous successes against fsu w/ regards to this game sunday. he really stepped up his play against the 'noles (nc st's 'big' game) during his college career. hey, the whiner uni's are the same color, right? well, almost. this game sunday is as huge as any the wolf-pack played against the noles! just a little something for him to think about.

mahalo,

kr

RE: pass on a message to tory?
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 7:00 pm

I'll toss that out there, Kailua. Holt is a great, great guy. How about Peter Warrick getting arrested on felony grand theft charges? He still has to go in the top five.
-------------------

Paul Justin
Posted by vf15 on 10/7 6:26 pm

Randy,
Thanks for stopping by. It was a pretty good show. Too bad Farr couldn't stop by. I was wondering if you could give me some insight on how far along Paul Justin is in the Rams playbook. If Warner were to go down, how much trouble would the Rams be in. I realize that the Rams have a very weak schedule this year and if Justin could come in and just not make mistakes, I believe he could be effective. I am just concerned about Warner making it through the season without injury, even if the OL is playing well.

RE: Paul Justin
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 7:02 pm

Like when Warner came in, I don't know how good Justin is. He is completely ready, though.
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Rams running game, or lack thereof...
Posted by Nittany Ram on 10/7 6:34 pm

The Rams have struggled running the ball this season, with the exception of the Atlanta game.

There has been talk that part of the reason is Marshall's unfamiliarity with the offense, but would that still be the case at this point of the season?

What is your take on the reason the Rams have trouble running?

Thanks

RE: Rams running game, or lack thereof...
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 7:04 pm

They really haven't tried to establish the run. Vermeil said yesterday...when you're passing so efficiently, you have a tendency to keep passing. If they have a big lead Sunday, I bet they'll try to get Marshall going.
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Team's Personality
Posted by NYfan on 10/7 6:35 pm

You said the team is the most professional and down to earth that you have ever been around. Bernie wrote today about the team not wanting to give San Fran any bulletin board material. Jim Thomas wrote that the team had a focused and intense practice yesterday. Is this team starting to take on the personality of it's coach

RE: Team's Personality
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 7:06 pm

I think Vermeil is part of it. But when the free agents you sign have all been to the Super Bowl (Collins, Bush, Timmerman) that adds great leadership and maturity. I think it's a combination. Just having more mature people, too. There's no comparison between Warner and Banks, or Holt and Kennison. Amazing difference.
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Biggest Change
Posted by Jeff City Rams Fan on 10/7 6:46 pm

Randy, what do you see as the biggest change in the Rams parparation to games this year from previous years, if any?

RE: Biggest Change
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 7:08 pm

Crisper practices, not as much standing around. And a fresher team, mentally and physically, because they have more free time to relax and decompress.
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Houston to AFC, Realignment
Posted by vf15 on 10/7 6:49 pm

Randy,
Last evening on your KMOX sports open line, I believe that you stated in your realignment scenario that you had the new Houston team going to the NFC. In some of the reports that I have read on the internet today, most are stating that the NFL agreed to put Houston in the AFC. If this is true, how would it affect your realignment scenario and the Rams? Would it strengthen the possibility of the Rams staying in the NFC?

VF15

RE: Houston to AFC, Realignment
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 7:10 pm

You're right. At the time, I didn't know about the Houston to the AFC thing. The one ownership proposal had St. Louis staying in the NFC west. I asked Shaw today if it made a difference to him where they were, divisionally, and he said no.
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Big Willie
Posted by Old Hacker on 10/7 6:59 pm

Hows Willie Jones doing.......all pro material?
Go Rams !!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: Big Willie
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 7:11 pm

Has a chance, but it's a longshot.
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Line Depth
Posted by Hiap.kane on 10/7 7:04 pm

Mahalo for your kokua!

I think back/receiver possitions win football games, but lines LOSE football games. Are either Hyder & Barnes real potential starters or even role players? What's the scoop on WJones & Frohbieter?

RE: Line Depth
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 7:13 pm

Armey really likes the future of Hyder and Barnes...he thinks eventually they could start. Jones is a longshot, as I said, and Frohbeiter is a completely unknown quantity at this time.
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No more questions, please!
Posted by Aries on 10/7 7:06 pm

We gotta let RK get some rest... his fingers are probably worn out, and time is up anyway.

Again, Randy... thanks for your time and info. We always enjoy and appreciate your visits here. If "The Herd" can ever be of service to you, don't hesitate to call!

Aries
RamsBoard Admin Team
-----------------------
Thanks guys
Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/7 7:15 pm

I know I live in a "baseball town," but there's nothing like winning NFL football it's the best.

Great questions. We'll do it again soon.

If you're going Sunday...or if your friends are, do me a favor. Get there early, in your seats by 11:45...and be loud. Have a great time. 4-0.
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Many, Many Thanks, R K! (NM)
Posted by R F L on 10/7 7:17 pm
-------------------

Randy K. Thanks so much! RAMS Win!
Posted by RAM 23 on 10/7 7:12 pm