Ramblin' Fan » lockout

Big Welcome To The Cadillac

Justin Stine — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:56:23 +0000

I can never remember a time like this when there was a new signing by the Rams seemingly every day, but let me just say that it is amazing. The lockout was awful, but this abbreviated free agency period has almost made it all worth it. Almost. The Rams weren’t done with their signings, as they inked RB Cadillac Williams to what is being reported as a one-year deal today. Williams, the number five pick in the 2005 draft out of Auburn, will likely be the team’s number two back behind Steven Jackson with Jerious Norwood as the third down back/return man. All this is assuming health for both Williams and Norwood, who have struggled to stay on the field consistently during their careers. Williams is a former 1,000-yard rusher, and he has proven to be more than capable as a receiver out of the backfield.

I really like this move by Billy Devaney and the rest of the organization. Cadillac may not be the player he once was, but he is well-known as an excellent leader in the locker room and he can still be very effective in a more limited role. It’s pretty amazing that our stable of running backs last season consisted of SJ39, Keith Toston and Kenneth Darby, and this year it will be Steven, Cadillac and Norwood. You can say what you want about who the Rams did and did not get this offseason, but no one can deny that this running back group has been seriously upgraded in just a few short days. I can’t say enough how important it is for this group to stay healthy, but if they can I feel more than comfortable with this group over a 16-game schedule.

Important Upcoming Rams Dates

Justin Stine — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:38:21 +0000

Before I get started, just wanted to let everyone know that Sam Bradford and the Rams’ offense is on the front page of the fantasy sports page at Yahoo. It doesn’t really mean anything, but just wanted to let you all know.

The next week is going to be absolutely nuts all over the NFL, and our St. Louis Rams are certainly no different. As many time lines as we have seen recently, it looks like we finally have an actual, concrete list of dates for the next few weeks up to the first preseason game Saturday, August 13 against the Colts at the Jones Dome. Obviously, you shouldn’t be shocked if something changes with these at some point, but it looks like this list provided by Jim Thomas should be as close to accurate as we can get right now. Some of these dates will be affected depending on how long it takes to ratify the agreed-upon CBA, so keep that in mind as well.

Tuesday – Rams Park facilities open to players
- Team can sign all rookies – drafted or undrafted - starting at 9 a.m. St. Louis time.
- Team can negotiate with - but not sign - all veteran free agents, whether on Rams roster last season or on other rosters.

Thursday – Teams can waive or terminate player contracts as of 3:01 p.m. St. Louis time.

Friday – First day of Rams training camp. Activity limited to physicals and team meetings.
- Team may sign free agents and/or renegotiate existing contracts as of 5 p.m. St. Louis time.
- Signed rookies may participate immediately in physical activity; newly signed veteran players cannot take part in physical activity until new CBA is ratified.

Saturday – No pads or contact allowed at Rams practice.

Sunday – No pads or contact allowed at Rams practice.

Monday, Aug. 1 – First day that Rams are allowed to have padded practice.

Thurs. Aug. 4 – League year begins if collective bargaining agreement is ratified. All clubs must be under salary cap. (League year can begin before Aug. 4 if CBA ratified before then.)

Sat. Aug. 13 – Preseason opener vs. Indianapolis at Edward Jones Dome, 7 p.m.

The NFL Lockout Is Over: What It Means To This St. Louis Rams Fan

Justin Stine — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:44:25 +0000

It finally happened. I know it seemed like it would never get here, but the 2011 NFL season has officially started. I can’t remember ever writing a post here at Ramblin’ Fan that feels like this. I guess you just don’t realize how much you love something until it is almost taken away from you.

We have been discussing what moves the Rams will make for what seems like forever, but it’s one thing to talk about it when you know nothing can happen, and it’s quite another when the moment is finally upon you. Will the Rams sign Darren Sproles or Reggie Bush? Will they bring in a veteran receiver like Plaxico Burress? What will they do to address obvious holes at guard, outside backer and safety? How will the rookies fit in with this team, and what kind of impact will they have this season? The questions are numerous, and they have all been discussed ad nauseum, but the difference is now we will finally have our answers. As much fun as it is to write about the Rams every day, I find myself feeling almost giddy about the coming weeks. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I will.

With all the questions out there, one of the biggest involves people like me and you. How does the NFL fan feel about everything that has happened over the last several months? Are you just happy the NFL is back and the season will go on? Are you having trouble finding the love you had for the NFL before the lockout? After hearing about the lockout every day are you just sick of the NFL right now? These are all valid questions that only you can answer for yourself. I, for one, am just happy the season is starting. There are still some hard feelings, but when the ball is kicked off on that first Sunday of the regular season … Maybe when the ball is kicked off in that first preseason game … I won’t be thinking about the lockout.

There were many questions posed here today in this article, but in my mind there’s really only one that truly matters right now. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!?!