Hall of Fame Game: To Play or Not To Play

As we continue watching lawyers walking in and out of courtrooms when it comes to NFL news, can we step back and grasp the notion that the Rams are scheduled to suit up against the Bears in 24 days. Exciting, isn’t it? Yet, I must say, it’s a bit chancy.

I’m torn whether this game proceeds as scheduled. First, I’d love to see it on behalf of Marshall Faulk. It’s always an honor to see one of our own be recognized in such a way. Second, I’ve been longing to see some damn football, especially when it’s our team scheduled to play. I know Sam and the starters would see abbreviated playing time in the game, but it’d still be a rush to see them out there again. Finally, though, I’m worried the Rams won’t have enough time to prepare for a game. If minicamp starts as scheduled, that’s only about a couple weeks before they travel for their first game. With a new offensive coordinator and undrafted free agents/free agents yet to be signed, it seems like a stretch for this game to be played with an acceptable level of cohesion.

On the Bears side, Mike Martz said the Bears only need a day to prepare for the game. That may be true, considering they have mostly the same players and coordinators. Yet, we all must be cognizant of the fact that he is called Mad Mike, and he is known to do some, well, mad things.

So, will this game be sacrificed? It’ll be a shame for all the HOF inductees if it is, but it may benefit this young Rams team to have another week of preparation before they face the Colts on August 13. That’s another week of groomed out kinks, smoother routes, and overall synchronization of the entire club.

Let’s just hope this whole lockout thing ends so this debate has any relevance.