Fiasco in KC proves Rams have depth issues

Fiasco in KC proves Rams have depth issues
By Jeff Gordon
STLTODAY.COM SPORTS COLUMNIST
08/29/2008

Before Rams fans got drowsy and switched channels Thursday night, they came to a universal conclusion:

“Man, I hope none of the real players get hurt this season.”


The Rams’ preseason finale was a total fiasco, but the 21-17 loss at Kansas City illustrated the team’s depth issues -– especially at linebacker and in the secondary.

Coach Scott Linehan withheld more players than planned, due to the stormy and sloppy conditions at Arrowhead Stadium. He started all second-teamers in this game (Nick Leckey is a starter in name only) and quickly got to the third-teamers.

“To give them close to a full game’s work gives us a lot more to look at,” Linehan explained. “We have some tough decisions to make and I think it will make it easier to give guys fair evaluations. Some guys helped themselves tonight.”

The Chiefs, using many starters, repeatedly plowed the Rams reserves until Kansas City coach Herm Edwards finally called off the dogs.

Some thoughts on what went down:


* Rookie receiver Donnie Avery needed the work Thursday night. Unfortunately, he quickly suffered a knee sprain -– which is NOT good news. Even if the injury is minor, this is a setback for the kid seeking to add some life to the offense.


* Brock Berlin held serve in his bid for the No. 3 quarterback job. He got better players to work with and got results, capping his first half with a 20-yard TD strike to Dane Looker.

Overall, Berlin completed 13 of 21 passes for 107 yards. He moved and threw well. Berlin almost fumbled the ball away on a sack, but otherwise held up well.


* Bruce Gradkowski put up a fight, completing 11 of 18 passes for 105 yards and an interception. His mobility has been a plus, but Berlin has a better feel for the offense, better passing accuracy and better touch.


* Trent Green made just a cameo appearance, handing the ball off to Antonio Pittman twice and throwing one incomplete pass before taking a seat. This was his tune-up? You can only hope he is really ready to step in for Marc Bulger if needed.


* On the defensive line, Victor Adeyanju and Clifton Ryan made productive use of their playing time. And Eric Moore made a last-minute bid for continued employment.


* I realize Chris Long is a starter and the starters sat out this game, but Linehan could have made an exception here. The kid needs to learn his position. Why not play him for a half so he can flatten out the learning curve?

The playing did Ryan and Adeyanju some good.


* Of the young linebackers, Chris Chamberlain seemed to make the most noise. David Vobora deserves props for playing on an injured ankle.


* The special teams weren’t so special. Eric Bassey earned a credit by forcing a fumble, but not a lot else went well.

Undrafted rookie running back Lance Ball missed a block that allowed the Chiefs to partially block a Donnie Jones punt. Not good.


* On the other hand, Ball ran effectively -– rushing 13 times for 70 yards and a touchdown. That was a nice way to cap a pretty impressive preseason.


* Running back Travis Minor lost a fumble, but otherwise looked OK in his final tune-up. But is there roster room for Steven Jackson, Pittman, Minor, Brian Leonard and Ball? Minor’s versatility on special teams could be a tiebreaker.


* Rookie guard Roy Schuening appeared to boost his stock. Once the Chiefs began using more subs, the Rams were able to run the ball.


* Cornerback David Macklin had one nice break-up, but the Chiefs also went over the top of him for a touchdown. Given Fakhir Brown's shoulder injury, there is reason to fret about depth here.


* Brandon Williams and Derek Stanley didn’t do anything special with their kick return opportunities, leaving Dante Hall unchallenged (if healthy) for that role.

All in all, we didn’t learn a whole lot more about this team. The guys on the bottom of the preseason roster largely cut themselves. There will be a few tough calls for the coaching staff to make, but nothing that should cause much loss of sleep.

Now it’s time to move on and get ready for the real games.





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