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INTRO. Hi everyone---Posted
by Randy Karraker on 10/28 8:04 pm Thanks for stopping by. Good test this weekend, obviously. I think the players are a bit perturbed that there are still so many questions about how good they are, and I think that's a motivating factor. Sunday should be fun. I'll get to the questions...those asked first, answered first, right away. ***************************************** QUESTION. DV retirement---Posted by Jack P. Miller on 10/28 2:31 pm On Wed. Oct 27, DV was on a Philadelphia TV show(Daily News Live with Michael Barkann)and he talked about the retirement issue. He said the retirement issue was taken out of context. DV told Barkann that he was talking about his assistant coaches, because he wanted them to get contracts that would go to when his expired. DV also said that the reporter, asked him if he would retire, DV responded that he might or might not. DV also said to Barkann, that he is not sure how things will go two years from now. A part of the equation might be the Rams, if they are willing to give him an extention. My question is who wrote that story? Who do I believe DV or RamsUpdate? Jack P. Miller ***************************************** RANDY. re: DV retirement---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 8:06 pm What DV told us at his weekly press conference was that it was blown out of proportion, not taken out of context. I can tell you that since his first year here, he's talked about staying for five years and then having a younger guy take over. I would be surprised if he were to coach the Rams in 2002. The job takes a lot out of people, and he'll be 65 by that time. Of course, you should always believe Rams Update ;) ***************************************** QUESTION. Natural Grass---Posted by HappyNoodleBoy on 10/28 3:40 pm It seems that the media naysayers are making a huge deal about the Titans game being played on grass, like the Rams have never played on grass before. Sure, it's the first grass game for them this year, but really how much of a disadvantage does this put on the Rams? Aren't they practicing on grass this week? Didn't they spend all of training camp on grass? 2 things: 1) some reporters have written that Ike isn't the same on grass -- didn't he tear up the Ravens on grass in '96 (the one they lost in OT). 2) I read an interview with Barry Sanders and he said (paraphrased): "I'm faster on turf, but so is everybody else including the defense" ***************************************** RANDY. re: Natural Grass---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 8:09 pm I think people are using the grass game as something that will be different that might take away from the Rams. As Charley Armey told me, "if you're fast, you're fast...on grass or turf. And we're fast." I also agree with your point about practice. They're on grass for ten hours a week, and three hours on game day. It shouldn't give Tennessee an advantage. ***************************************** QUESTION. Do the players realize---Posted by Rampage Y2K on 10/28 Do the players realize that they have an opportunity to become the most dominant team and maybe even THE best team in NFL history if they go 16-0 and win the Super Bowl??? I know it's kinda "unrealistic", but this team is "unreal". Whats the feeling around Rams Park about the potential of becoming "the BEST team ever"? If any team can do it, it is this years Rams...I'm only 28, but have NEVER seen a more dominant team in all of my life.... I think they are going to want to prove to the world on Sunday that they are "for real" by blowing out the Titans, like they have everyone else this year.....Who can beat this team right now?.........NO team!! Thanx Randy...keep up the good work!!!! GO RAMS!!!! ***************************************** RANDY. re: Do the players realize---Posted by Randy Karraker on This group is amazingly level headed and they do a great job (better than me) of zeroing in on the task at hand. I've never heard anyone talk about being the best ever. As a matter of fact, I interviewed John Bunting last week, and he knew we played Tennessee this week, but honestly didn't know Detroit was next. They have great focus at Rams Park. Who can beat the Rams? I root for them, but saw Philly beat the Cowboys, saw the Giants beat Denver last year...I believe that any given Sunday cliche. ***************************************** QUESTION. Jim Hanifan---Posted by Walker55 on 10/28 4:11 pm Will he travel with the team Sunday and if not how will his not being there affect the O lines's game? Thanks again for taking time to answer all our questions. I know EVERYONE really appreciates it!!! ***************************************** RANDY. re: Jim Hanifan---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 8:16 pm Thanks, Walker. I'm for the most part a football guy and love doing this. Hanifan got out of the hospital today, and plans to be on the field tomorrow. He'll fly with the team to Nashville and be on the sideline. The Rams have a real good assistant O-Line coach, John Matsko, who was with the Giants the last few years. He can hold the fort while Hanny isn't there. ***************************************** QUESTION. Randy, you're the best! OT Depth?---Posted by R F L on Thanks so much for chatting with us. Say--is your station on the net? When would I hear you on the radio? One question: how do you see our depth at Offensive Tackle? I basically love our depth almost everywhere. But I don;t know if Tucker is really a viable backup at OT. If Miller or Gandy went down, would be be in big trouble? ***************************************** RANDY. re: Randy, you're the best! OT Depth?---Posted by RFL on 10/28 Thanks. First of all, for whatever reason, CBS won't allow KMOX to go real audio. We do reach 44 states at night, except for those west of the rockies. Especially next week when the sun goes down earlier, we're at 1120 on the dial and I'm on from 6-8 central. I would agree about our OT depth at the moment. The coaches say Tucker is really coming on, but I wouldn't think he'd be in Pace or Miller's class yet. They really like the Frohbeiter kid thats on the PUP right now. He'll get a chance next year. And if you project to April, with Miller a UFA, tackle might be where they go in the first round. ***************************************** QUESTION. Status of Holcombe & AZ?.....(NM) - Old Hacker 10/28 5:09 ***************************************** RANDY. re: Status of Holcombe & AZ?---Posted by Randy Karraker Hacker...Az is 100%...he's ready to go. Holcombe is still banged up. I don't know if he went in practice today, but yesterday was rough for him. That being said, he's tough and I wouldn't be surprised to see him play. As an aside, Vermeil really likes Hodgins and the way he's coming along. He may be a better blocker right now than Holcombe. ***************************************** QUESTION. Justin Watson---Posted by sirram on 10/28 5:23 pm Hey Randy, glad you can take time out to talk to the Herd. I have been watching Watson all year and I think it's a real shame the Rams can't give him more field time. He's a great change-up from Marshall. Do you think that he will stick with the team next year with the needed signings of our stars Carter, Lyght? Also how is Trent coming along, mentally as well as physically. ***************************************** RANDY. re: Justin Watson---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 8:26 pm I would think Watson would be here next year...unless someone comes out of the blue and impresses like he did this summer. Tough to take Marshall off the field at this point. They may or may not sign Carter and Bruce long term. A few years ago, they had to use some "future transition" tags that were left over, and they placed them on Carter and Bruce. So if those two choose free agency, the Rams have the right of first refusal. I think they'll sign both long term. They're still wrestling with Lyght's situation, and don't know what they're going to do. I see Trent almost every day. He's upbeat, and happy. Wishes he could play...but is handling it better now than he was earlier. He has a new baby, that helps distract him a little bit. ***************************************** QUESTION. Torry's Progress?---Posted by ScRAM on 10/28 5:35 pm Hi Randy, Welcome aboard again! Maybe I'm expecting too much,but I thought with the attention Ike gets,Torry would have more catches. Any Thoughts? Thanks for stopping by! ScRAM ***************************************** RANDY. re: Torry's Progress?---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 And thanks to you and the admins, ScRam, for setting this up. Bruce is so good, and so unstoppable, that they really don't throw to Holt. I think they threw to him twice on Sunday. It's hard, when you want to throw to Isaac 12 times and get Faulk 25 touches, to find lots of touches for other guys. However, he'll beat some guys one on one. I could see Holt being a big factor Sunday against Tennessee. ***************************************** QUESTION. Amp Lee---Posted by san fRAM on 10/28 5:53 pm Are they "saving" him in a sense? Or have they been *actively* trying to work him back into to having some sort of significant role in the offense, but haven't had to yet because Marshall is doing so well? Thanks as always, Randy! san fRAM ***************************************** RANDY. re: Amp Lee---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 8:31 pm They just want Amp to be 100%. He had a bruise to the ball of his foot last week, but is back at it now. They've held him out because they can (because of Marshall)...but he'll be back this week. ***************************************** QUESTION. Is it a plus to achieve high scores?---Posted by RAM 23 Randy, high scoring games on the RAMS side of the ball are great for fans and player stats, but is it also a bennifit for the RAMS playoff outlook to have these high points when the season is over and the playoff positions are determined? I think I know the answer but so much is said about running the score up, I was hoping for a clarification. Thanks for joining us again, these are special events. RAM 23, RAMS Board Admin Team ***************************************** RANDY. re: Is it a plus to achieve high scores?---Randy Karraker Best net points are the fifth and sixth tiebreakers for the NFL playoffs. After, for example in a division tiebreaker... 1) Head to head 2) Division record 3) Conference record 4) Record in games against common opponents 5) net points in division 6) net points in all games 7) Strength of schedule 8) Net touchdowns in all games 9) Coin flip ***************************************** QUESTION. Front 4 pass rush concerns?---Posted by OC Rich on 10/28 When last we spoke we were lamenting our lack of production of kickoff returns. Then Horne goes out and gets TD in back to back games. Then he gets busted for pot. Ugh. Anyway, I'm a little concerned about the lack of pass rush from the DL, exculding the last Atlanta game. Carter hasn't had a sack since the 2nd game. He's had some chances but hasn't been able to make the tackle. Is the team concerned by this, or am I overreacting and just looking for a negative in what has been such a tremendous season so far? Rich ***************************************** RANDY. re: Front 4 pass rush concerns?---Posted by Randy Karraker Every Monday, Vermeil tells us how many pressures the front four, specifically the ends have. And it's always in double digits. Even though the sack numbers aren't high, those guys are disrupting the heck out of the opposing quarterback. I don't think that's a big concern. If they play a close game and need a sack, it'll be interesting to see what kinds of games they play. ***************************************** QUESTION. Jenkins, Bush, Coady & Carpenter---Posted by Ramsrule How do you rate Billy Jenkins play so far, and is there any way that Bush could take over the starting job?? Any comments on Coady or Carpenter? Again, thanks for the chat!!! Ramsrule, Rams Board Admin Team/Zine Publisher ***************************************** RANDY. re: Jenkins, Bush, Coady & Carpenter---Randy Karraker I'm really surprised that San Francisco and Atlanta didn't do more to try and target Jenkins with their tight ends. He's been OK, but not a pro bowl guy. I wish they'd give Bush a shot, but Vermeil and the staff say because he was hurt in training camp, he's forever behind. I disagree with that. If the guy is the best player, play him. The front office types want Bush to play. I wish I could say more about Coady and Carpenter, but you folks that saw them in training camp and pre season know as much as me. From what we see, Carpenter looks terrific...but can that translate to regular season games? And Coady is still learning this complex defense. ***************************************** QUESTION. Do you feel the Rams team speed can or---The Rookie Do you feel the Rams team speed can or will be neutralized on natural Grass? Also, If the Rams must play a playoff game in a cold envirioment how will that effect the Off. or the Def. scheme of the Rams, especially with their undersized D-line? Thank Randy :-) ***************************************** RANDY. Do you feel the Rams team speed---Randy Karraker I really think they'll be OK on grass. Faulk was fantastic last year in San Francisco. Bruce has always produced on grass. O-Lines love grass. I really don't think it'll be a big factor. Cold weather is another thing altogether. That would hurt the Rams skill guys, who are from at least relatively warm weather climes like Florida (Bruce), North Carolina (Holt), New Orleans (Faulk) and Houston (Holcombe). The D-Line will be affected more, I think, by a good opponent than the weather. Those are all tough people. I must say though, the only cold weather place they could possibly go is Green Bay. ***************************************** QUESTION. Rams Defensive Front Four---Posted by ramBRO Hi Randy. Do you believe that the upfield pressure the Rams' front four (especially Carter) exert on opposing QB's will actually hurt us against a scrambler like McNair? ***************************************** RANDY. re: Rams Defensive Front Four---Posted by Randy Karraker Good point, ramBRO. I would think that would cause problems. If they use play action, Fletcher will really have to keep an eye on him. I doubt he'll be as frisky as normal, though, coming off the back injury. ***************************************** QUESTION. Little---Posted by RAMZ 80 on 10/28 7:16 pm With Little's return growing closer is there any mention of his impact on the team.Also will he be thrown right into the mix or have to "practice". If he jumps right in any idea who will be cut? ***************************************** RANDY. re: Little---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 8:51 pm He can practice immediately after the eighth game, the Detroit game. I would think they'll keep him inactive for at least a week, to give him two weeks of practice. He should have a big impact, because he was their best special teams player when he left last year, and can obviously rush the passer. I wonder if Lionel Barnes might come up with a mysterious, season ending turf toe injury to make room on the roster. ***************************************** QUESTION. Ramsdell---Posted by Zack Neruda on 10/28 7:53 pm We don't here much about Ramsdell, yet two qbs have developed well under his tutelage. For example, I always compare Warner in the first preseason game to now--he visibly improved. Who is Ramsdell, what's he like, and how much credit DOES he get? ***************************************** RANDY. Ramsdell---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 8:54 pm Ramsdell was with Brooks at Oregon for the entire stretch there, 18 years, and came with Brooks to St. Louis. Ramsdell is a low key, even tempered guy...just like you want a QB to be. This is his first year ever working with quarterbacks. He's worked with receivers, tight ends, running backs and the O-line in the past. I think he deserves lots of credit...and Martz gets kudos for telling Ramsdell what he wants. ***************************************** QUESTION. Superbowl---Posted by VaRamFan on 10/28 8:08 pm Hi Randy, thanks for the time again. My question is this, i keep hearing that the Rams haven't played anybody yet. I for one think they have. Good defenses from Baltimore and Atlanta didn't stop us, do you think that the bigger teams such as Dallas and Minnesota maybe Washington and Green Bay or maybe New England and Kansas City can beat us. I have a feeling we can play with anyone unless our defense shows a bad side. What do you think? THANKS. ***************************************** RANDY. re: SUPERBOWL---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 8:58 pm I just don't see teams that match up with the Rams. You need three corners that can handle quality wideouts straight up, and then a linebacker that can play one on one with Faulk. And it all happens so fast, it's hard to get to Warner. I think if Sanders and K. Smith are healthy, and with Lett back, perhaps Dallas would stand a chance. Miami is capable. The Packers, especially by playoff time, would be a threat. Beyond that, I think if the Rams play their game and stay healthy, they should beat everyone. ***************************************** QUESTION. Chris Thomas---Posted by Aries on 10/28 8:14 pm Randy, thanks for joining us again for another chat. We always enjoy and appreciate your visits. What can you tell us about Chris Thomas? How good is he, and how much will the Rams use him this week and the rest of the year? Aries, RamsBoard Admin Team ***************************************** RANDY. re: Chris Thomas---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 9:00 pm I really don't know anything about him other than the fact that Martz likes him. I would think when Horne comes back, he might get cut. ***************************************** QUESTION. How many wins---Posted by Ram 'em all on 10/28 8:18 pm How many wins do you believe it takes to clinch the division and to claim home-field advantage throughout the playoffs? ***************************************** RANDY. re: How many wins---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 9:02 pm I would think 12 wins would take care of home field throughout the playoffs, and nine might win the NFC West. I posted earlier this week, if the Rams go 5-5, San Francisco would have to go 8-1 to tie for the West. That's not going to happen. I think the Rams will go at least 13-3. Detroit, at San Francisco and at Carolina scare me. ***************************************** QUESTION. Justin Watson---Posted by Smack Daddy G on 10/28 8:19 pm I just wondered when Justin's gonna' be able to get into a game, and get some real fortified "reps", versus him coming in, in some type of mop-up role. He's impressed me in Pre-season, and even the regulr season, when he's able to get in the game. I think he's limited playing time has produced excellent results. Question: When is he gonna' get a real chance to play ... show his stuff? ***************************************** RANDY. re: Justin Watson---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 9:04 pm When both Faulk and Holcombe are hurt, like in the San Francisco game. ***************************************** QUESTION. Sheer Brains---Posted by RAM-BLE on 10/28 8:22 pm Which Rams coaches or manangement people strike you as damn smart.....not necessarily in football...just smart overall? ***************************************** RANDY. re: Sheer Brains---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 9:08 pm I love questions like this. Armey, whose brother is the house majority leader, is a very sharp guy. Knows politics, as well as football. Zygmunt is very sharp. Can talk about anything. I'm an admirer of Bunting. I think he's head coaching material. Saunders. And Martz is very impressive. Bernie made a point, and I think it's a good one. Martz is from the Zampese school, and may not really have the desire Gancz is probably the smartest guy in the organization. Great historian, very literate, well read. Extremely bright. ***************************************** QUESTION. How much longer til we see Little? (nm) - CrashNRam 10/28 ***************************************** RANDY. re: How much longer til we see Little?---Posted by Randy Karraker I would think week ten. ***************************************** QUESTION. Titans defensive blitz---Posted by Jimfan on 10/28 8:49 pm Thanks Randy for all your time. Do you think that the blitzing packages and formations of the Titans will disrupt Warner's passing? Pittsburg showed how a defense can dictate the outcome of a game despite their weak offense. ***************************************** RANDY. re: Titans defensive blitz---Posted by Randy Karraker Two things. One, Warner gets the ball out of there in a big hurry. And secondly, if you don't double cover someone, the Rams can just kill you. I think they'll stick to getting pressure from their front four and trying to cover the Ram receivers. ***************************************** QUESTION. N Turner---Posted by zn on 10/28 8:51 pm Was it you who said that at one point Vermeil wanted Turner as the coordinator? (though of course Mr. Snyder did not oblige us by firing him). Since Rhome has something of the same stock...goes back to Gibbs...and since Vermeil hired Martz...does all that, Turner included, mean that Vermeil always consciously sought some version or another of this here ole Air Coryell offense? *****************************************' RANDY. re: N Turner---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 9:16 pm You are correct, sir. DV wanted more play action and more movement than last year, but a similar base style of offense. I think Rhome failed to gain the respect of the players, and they love Martz. ***************************************** QUESTION. Team in disguise---Posted by RamFanc on 10/28 8:59 pm Hi Randy. First of all I won't throw softballs at you when I have a hardball question. With that said: Realizing the absence of Bruce for most of last year and the off season pick ups. The Rams in 1998 were without question (at least to me) a team waiting to break out. I have not been the biggest Tony Banks fan in the world since he handed the game to SF. But now that I look back In my opinion Tony Banks un-knowingly disquised this teams potential, Resulting in the obvious draft pick, but also in another way. It seems as if the NFL (Mostly NFCwest) disregarded or was blind to the fact that with a QB of average talent this team may be competitive. I believe Banks' disquise has played a role in what we were able to pull off during the off season. Do you think that this is simply more "Banks Bashing" or is there some merit to this. ***************************************** RANDY. re: Team in disguise---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 9:20 Well, there was a lot that made that team bad. June Henley. No Bruce. Weigert and Gandy were/are soft. And yes, Banks is not a great NFL QB. I think if Banks were here, the club might be 3-3? He'd give some games away, and take unnecessary sacks. But there was a lot wrong with the '98 Rams, and Banks was just a part of the problem. ***************************************** CONCLUSION. Thanks folks ---Posted by Randy Karraker on 10/28 9:22 pm I appreciate everyone participating. We'll do it again soon...and probably during the playoffs. I'm saying 31-13 Rams this weekend. Take care. |
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TRANSCRIPT OF RANDY KARRAKER LIVE (Oct 28)