In lockout news, the whole thing took a major step forward today when the owners voted 31-0 to approve the deal. The only team not to cast a vote was the Oakland Raiders, but the rest of the owners seem to like what was placed in front of them. There is a report out that the players are going to vote on Friday, but there are some different opinions on that matter. Some of the players who have spoken out think it will be next week before anything happens with the players, but ESPN’s Chris Mortensen believes the vote will take place Friday, so we will see. I’m not completely sold on the idea that this vote is coming immediately based on what I’ve heard, but I hope I’m wrong about that. I’m so ready for this to be over and for the season to start, so like usual, we just have to wait and see.

Moving on to Plax, I thought his list was intruiging, especially considering that the Rams are one of the teams reportedly interested in his services. Instead of copying and pasting his huge block quote, I’m going to run down each point individually and discuss how it affects the Rams.

1. “Well, the head coach is going to be first and foremost,” Burress said.  “It’s going to be somebody to where, well, you know, he has an open door policy, I can walk in his office and sit down and talk to him whether it’s about football or life or whatever that may be.”

Plax and Spags are obviously familiar with each other from their days with the Giants, and by all accounts they had a mostly positive relationship. I have to think that the fact he knows our head coach has be one in our favor.

2.  ”Then, of course, second, it’s going to be a quarterback.  I’m a wide receiver.  I mean, that’s a no brainer.  I’m not going to sit here and say it’s not.”

Another big checkmark for the Rams. Sam Bradford needs a big receiver like Plax, and I can’t imagine he wouldn’t want to have a player like Sammy throwing him the ball. Plax has spent much of his career playing with young, talented quarterbacks, so our situation would be something he would be used to.

3. “And surround myself with guys that are hungry and guys that know how to play and want to win.  I mean, some guys are just happy to go out, get a check, compete, and don’t care whether they win or lose.  Well, I’m not that guy.  I mean, I’m a winner.”

Hmm … I think we are three for three. The Rams showed last season that they are hungry, and the team figures to be even more ready to win this season after getting a taste of success last year. I saw plenty of fight on both sides of the ball last year, and I think this is a team that wants to take the next step.

4.  ”I hate to lose and I’m going to put myself into a situation and put myself into a piece of a puzzle where I’m going to make it complete.”

Is Plax the piece that could make our puzzle complete? I’m not saying he is or he isn’t, but for as long as we have been saying we need a big number one receiver, it sure seems like he could be that guy. Obviously it depends on what he still has left in the tank, but if he’s the player we have seen in Pittsburgh and New York, or even close to that player, we sure seem to be what he’s looking for.

While it’s a travesty that SJ39 isn’t named, the list actually isn’t bad. Larry Fitzgerald is at the top, followed closely by Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, and Vernon Davis. I don’t have any huge problems here, although if I was making the list Willis would be far and away my number one overall. I think Laurinaitis is about where I expected him to be, and I was pleasantly surprised that Long is finally getting some recognition for how good of a player he has become. Maybe I’m crazy here, but Steven Jackson should be on the list over guys like Russell Okung (8) who was injured for much of his rookie season, and Mike Iupati (10) who is a guard, just to name a few. I’m going to put it in your hands. Check out the poll on the side of the page to rank where you think Jackson belongs in the scope of this division. We will see what the Rams nation thinks of SJ39 and if ESPN isn’t giving him the respect he deserves.