Rams News and Notes

Tomorrow night, the St. Louis Rams battle the Kansas City Chiefs in the annual governor’s cup in St. Louis. The Rams are 1-2 in the preseason so far. Expect this to be a game that the Rams take with a grain of salt as it wouldn’t surprise me if for most of the game we will see the backups.

In other Rams news, Andy McCollum will have to adjust to being a backup as Brett Romberg has won the starting job. McCullom shows he has no problem with the move being made by head coach Scott Linehan.

"“I got a little pep talk from my friend Adam (Timmerman) yesterday,” McCollum said. “He told me he was willing to come over and beat somebody up for me . . . Just kidding. He reminded me what really matters.”"

Even yet, there seemed to be perfect evidence that he most certainly would rather be on the field.

"“I’m not happy about it,” McCollum said. “I’m still not happy about it. I’d rather be on the field. Any player, competitor, would say that.”"

As mentioned in our defensive preview, Ron Bartell will be starting the season at cornerback in place of the recently suspended Fakhir Brown. Bartell began training camp with his head high, confident that he could get the job.

"“Exactly,” Bartell said. “As a professional, you have to approach it that way. Nobody wants to be a backup. … I think I’m a starting quality cornerback, so I’m going to approach it that way.”"

Scott Linehan seems to be very pleased with Bartell’s progress.

"“Ron had his best (exhibition) game last week,” coach Scott Linehan said, referring to the Rams’ 20-10 loss in Oakland. “He looked the most comfortable. We’re still asking a lot of him. He slides in there to (the slot) in the nickel situations. I’ve been real pleased with his progress.”"

As for the veteran Brown, things are not looking good. On July 13th, the NFL announced his suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Brown tried to appeal his suspension, but league spokesman Greg Aiello explained yesterday why it just won’t work out.

"“We never announce a suspension until the appeal process has been completed. So, I don’t understand what he’s talking about.”"

He also went on to explain that an appeal had either been filed and denied or had never even been filed. Aiello also said he didn’t know weather Brown had appealed.