Ramblin' Fan » Quintin Mikell

Spags Press Conference Recap: 11/28

Justin Stine — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:43:46 +0000

As you might imagine, Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo had plenty to say on Monday after his team’s 23-20 loss to the Arizona Cardinals over the weekend. Here is a recap of some of what he had to say. I have been highly critical of Spags and this team recently, and I think it has been justified. However, Spags brought something up that I think is worth mentioning. I will start with that, then we’ll get into the injury stuff. The quote is long, so jump to the next page for the injury report.

“I want to thank our fans for their passion. And I mean that sincerely. I know with that it goes both ways. Frustration and disappointment and their reactions to that, I understand it, I get it. I want to make one point that I think is a good example of what our football team is all about, at least I feel this way. And that was on the 53-yard run that Beanie Wells had in the fourth quarter. You saw there that (S) Quintin Mikell made a tremendous effort to get him on the ground. He was backside and was a ways away from the play, but the never say never, never die, the always fighting, I thought Quintin did that. I think our football team does that and what it resulted in, it was a four point swing. It kept us in the game. I know they kicked the field goal to go ahead three points, but I do want to point out that I think that’s very reflective of the guys in that locker room.”

You might say “that’s Mikell’s job,” but with all due respect I don’t think it’s fair to throw aside what he did. As bad as this season has been, I don’t know if there has been a moment when I thought the guys looked like they had given up. They make mistakes far too often, and they might not have the talent right now to win. That’s different from not caring. For all the questions about Spags as a coach, I have been impressed how his players seem to say all the right things to the media and give their all when they are on the field. I’m not saying nobody has taken a play off, but that happens on every team.

Again, I’m not trying to give Spags an excuse or anything, and I don’t think there’s any doubt his job is in serious jeopardy, but if we’re going to hammer him for every decision that he makes, then we need to recognize some of the positives as well. Take it for what you will, but that’s just my take. Injury stuff on the next page…

Still No Bradford At Rams Practice

Justin Stine — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 10:41:06 +0000

I’ve been trying to be as optimistic as possible regarding the chances Sam Bradford suits up for the Rams on Sunday, be he and the team certainly aren’t making it easy. Bradford missed practice again on Friday while dealing with his ankle injury, although he did do some work with trainer Reggie Scott on his own. I still think he’s going to play on Sunday, and the fact that he tested the ankle out a bit today makes me feel better about that prediction. It will likely be a game-time decision unless he aggravates it tomorrow during the walk-through, so just cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Now, some disappointing news for some of you. Spags said today that WR Mark Clayton and DB Marquis Johnson won’t be on the active roster Sunday after the team activated them from the PUP list earlier this week. Both players have only had this week to practice, so they need more time. I’m sure most of you won’t be losing sleep over Johnson being out, but all you Clayton lovers will have to wait at least another week to see him on the field. Injury report on next page…

Bradford Still Sidelined

Justin Stine — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:42:07 +0000

Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo spoke to the media after practice on Thursday, and as you might imagine, much of the talk centered around the status of Sam Bradford. Bradford missed practice again today, and he continued to get treatment on his injured ankle. ““No. It’s status quo. Again, really no change. He’s got every gadget and gizmo known to America in there trying to get him healthy, but we’ll see where we’re at tomorrow. Reggie (Scott), I don’t know if Reggie will attempt to do anything tomorrow or not. We’ll see. He doesn’t come right out on the field. First they’re going to try to see if he can drop back. So we haven’t even got to that point yet.”

On the status of LT Rodger Saffold, who has been dealing with a bone bruise, Spags said: ““He bounced back, which was good to see because we can’t afford to lose anybody. And he bounced back, which is good. We dodged a bullet there. It ended up being a contusion, so that was good.”

The team also had a few guys miss practice today. One was CB Brian Jackson, who is being called day-to-day after suffering a knee injury. S Quintin Mikell was also absent on Thursday, but it wasn’t injury related. Mikell was with him wife as the two celebrated the birth of their child. CJ Ah You was also still out, which was of no surprise to anyone.