St. Louis Rams Football

The No. 75 jersey of Deacon Jones will be retired

RamFan — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:14:00 GMT

The jersey of Deacon Jones, the St. Louis Rams defensive end who coined the term “quarterback sack,” will be retired before the St. Louis Rams’ home opener against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Jones’ No. 75 will be unveiled on the Ring of Honor at the Edward Jones Dome during the game between the St. Louis Rams (0-2) and Packers (1-1). Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo loves the idea of honoring Jones, who played for the Rams from 1961-71. 2009 St Louis Rams Schedule

“I think it’s great,” Coach Spagnuolo said. “I remember watching him when I was growing up and it will be an honor and a real pleasure to meet him.”

Deacon Jones, dubbed the “Secretary of Defense,” had 159 1/2 sacks with the Rams and finished his career with 173 1/2 sacks. He reached double-digit totals seven times, andhad three seasons of 20 sacks or more, including 21 in 1967, even though the NFL did not make sacks an official statistic until 1982.

Those numbers astound 1999 St Louis Rams veteran defensive end Leonard Little(notes).

“He was one of the best defensive ends of all time,” Leonard Little said. “I can’t imagine 21 sacks. The most I’ve ever had was 14 and I thought that was a lot. He was one of the greatest.”

Second-year defensive end Chris Long said he’s seen Deacon Jones only on film.

“That’s a man right there. That’s the best way I could describe him,” Long said. “He played the game ferociously, and it was pretty awesome to hear about how he carried himself.”

During the 1967 season, Jones became the first defensive lineman to record 100 solo tackles.

The NFL honored Deacon Jones as the Defensive Player of the Year twice, in 1967 and ’68. He was voted to the Pro Bowl nine times, including seven consecutive seasons (1964-1970) with the St. Louis Rams.

Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980, Jones was part of the famous Rams line that was nicknamed the “Fearsome Foursome.” Along with Jones, Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier formed one of the best defensive lines in NFL history.

“The thing we’ve got to remember being players in this era is to really respect the game ‘back when,’ because those guys could really play,” Long said. “Deacon Jones is a perfect example. This whole league and everybody in this game should honor the past and the players who played in that era. Those guys paved the way for us.”

What do you think about the Secretary of Defense? St Louis Rams Forum? Bigger impact than Kurt Warner St Louis Rams?

Preview: St. Louis Rams (0-1) at Washington Redskins (0-1)

RamFan — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:30:00 GMT

The St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins each entered 2009 hoping to change last year’s poor season. St. Louis and Washington try to bounce back from disappointing season-opening efforts when they meet Sunday afternoon at FedEx Field.

The Washington Redskins opened 6-2 last season but limped to an 8-8 finish and missed the playoffs, while the Rams lost a franchise-record 14 games in failing to reach the postseason for the fourth straight year.

Washington was thoroughly outplayed in a 23-17 road loss to the New York Giants and St. Louis was routed 28-0 at Seattle.

The Washington Redskins’ playoff hopes this year hinge on the play of Jason Campbell , and the fourth-year quarterback struggled in the opener. He threw an interception while across the line of scrimmage and was also stripped by Osi Umenyiora , who scooped up the ball and ran it back for a touchdown.

Campbell went 19 for 26 for 211 yards and a TD, which didn’t come until the last drive of the game, when the Redskins scored their only offensive touchdown to make the final score close.

“We made too many mistakes and left a lot out there,” defensive lineman Andre Carter said. “You can’t do that against a team like this because it will hurt you. The downside of this is we are 0-1. The upside is we have 15 games left.”

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth clogged the middle and finished with four tackles in his Washington debut, but the Redskins allowed 351 yards.

“We’re going to get better as we go along,” coach Jim Zorn said. “We played in a disciplined fashion on the D-Line. I was happy with Albert’s push at times.”

Rams first-year coach Steve Spagnuolo, who served as the Giants’ defensive coordinator the past two seasons, wasn’t pleased with his team’s play on either side of the ball last week.

St. Louis scored 232 points, fewest in the NFC and the franchise’s lowest mark since 1993, last season and continued to struggle offensively against the Seahawks, amassing 247 yards.

Marc Bulger was 17 of 36 for 191 yards and got sacked three times, while Steven Jackson rushed 16 times for 67 yards.

“We’d drive the ball and then shoot ourselves in the foot,” Bulger said. “We have to find a way to get past that 30 and start handing the ball to Jack. He’s too good of a player to not be able to use, and that’s on all of us.”

The Rams committed 10 penalties for 85 yards and gave up 446 yards in losing their 11th straight and falling to 5-28 since the beginning of the 2007 season.

“The 2009 Rams stand on their own,” Coach Spagnuolo said. “They have nothing to do with teams coming forward or any teams going backward. It’s all just about the 2009 Rams and we lost a football game, we lost one football game.”

Spagnuolo may want to look at the effort last year’s team put forth in a 19-17 victory at Washington in Week 6, when Josh Brown kicked a 49-yard field goal as time expired. That was the Rams’ last road win.

The Washington Redskins holds a 20-8-1 advantage in the series with the St. Louis Rams but has dropped the past two meetings.

St Louis Rams vs Seattle Seahawks game notes

RamFan — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:53:00 GMT

A closer look at the St Louis Rams’ opponent in their regular-season opener:

When: Sunday, 3:15 p.m., Qwest Field

Records: Seahawks 4-0 in preseason; Rams 3-1

Series: Seahawks lead 12-9, including an eight-game winning streak

Star power: Steven Jackson. With Torry Holt gone and Marc Bulger hurting, the Rams’ best offensive option is handing the ball to Jackson. Even on a 2-14 team last season, and despite missing four games, Jackson ran for 1,043 yards and a 4.1-yard average and caught 40 passes. He also scored eight touchdowns, twice as many as the next player on the team. But in two games against Seattle last season, the Seahawks held him to averages of 2.9 and 3.8 yards.

Unsung hero: Donnie Jones. The former Seahawks’ draft choice (seventh round, 2004) was a second-team All-Pro selection last season, when he averaged a Rams’ record 50.0 yards on 82 punts with a net average of 41.1 yards. In fact, the left-footed Jones became only the second player in NFL history to average 50 yards per punt. The other? Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh (51.4-yard average in 1940).

On the spot: Alex Barron. With seven-time Pro Bowler Orlando Pace now in Chicago, the Rams’ former first-round draft choice (2005) moves to left tackle. Last year, while starting at right tackle, Barron helped the Rams allow 45 sacks, the fewest yielded by the team since 2003. But Sunday, he’ll have to deal with Patrick Kerney and Darryl Tapp, and also could face rookie Aaron Curry

Will Marc Bulger play? The former Pro Bowl QB has been sidelined since breaking his right pinkie in the preseason opener. He took some shotgun snaps on Monday and has been throwing. But Wednesday’s practice will be pivotal, because Bulger is expected to take snaps under center for the first time since being injured. If Bulger can’t play, Kyle Boller will start against the Seahawks.

Familiar faces: In addition to Jones, kicker Josh Brown also played for the Seahawks (2003-2007) and defensive coordinator Ken Flajole (1999-02) and defensive backs coach Clayton Lopez (1999-2003) coached for the Seahawks. Flajole also coached at Washington (1979) and Pacific Lutheran University (1977-78). Fullback Mike Karney played at Kentwood High School. Wide receivers coach Charlie Baggett coached at Washington (2007-08)

The last word: “If we had a game tomorrow, I could play. It’s a pain thing. Guys find ways, there’s ways to get around it. You don’t want to do it too much so when the time comes if it’s still an issue, it won’t be an issue.” – Bulger

Kyle Boller leads St Louis Rams over Cincinnati Bengals 24-21

RamFan — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:02:00 GMT

St Louis Ram QB Kyle Boller played better Thursday night in his second game filling in for Marc Bulger , completing a flurry of short passes during a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He also had one moment of bravado that made the Rams shudder.

Kyle Boller got his helmet knocked off on a hit by linebacker Keith Rivers at the end of an 8-yard scramble, waiting too long to start his slide. Unfazed, QB Boller got to his feet, found his helmet and completed his next two passes, including a 3-yard shovel pass to running back Samkon Gado for a touchdown.

“I could have slid a little earlier,” said Boller, who was 14 of 20 for 96 yards. “It is what it is. My chin strap hit just above my eyes. It was a good scramble, but maybe if I can get down a little sooner, the coaches would like that. I was just trying to get to the ball,” said Rivers, who had his jaw broken on a hit from Pittsburgh’s Hines Ward last season. “It wasn’t anything intentional.”

The St Louis Rams lost Marc Bulger to a broken pinkie finger on his passing hand before the last game and couldn’t afford another quarterback setback. Bulger is hoping to be ready for the season opener Sept. 13 at Seattle. Boller struggled as his replacement last week in a 20-13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but seemed much more comfortable against the Cincy Bengals.

“He moved the team,” coach Steve Spags said. “He drove us down there after the bad start. When you score on a drive, the quarterback deserves the credit.”

Both teams were missing their starting quarterbacks, turning the game into a preview of how it might be if their injuries linger. The Bengals were reminded that they really need Carson Palmer back for their opener against the Denver Broncos.

J.T. O’Sullivan was sacked three times, lost a fumble and had two passes batted away at the line. His best moment was an improvised underhand pass to running back Brian Leonard that went for 25 yards and set up a touchdown. O’Sullivan was 7 of 13 for 94 yards while playing into the third quarter.

With Carson Palmer sidelined the last two games by a sprained left ankle, the offense has moved the ball in spurts but failed to get many points because of penalties and mistakes. O’Sullivan’s fumble at the Cincinnati 20-yard line set up the Rams’ second touchdown.

“We’ve just got to find a way to eliminate it,” O’Sullivan said. “It puts you in such a disadvantage any time you turn the ball over. That’s one of the things that has to change immediately.”

Running back Bernard Scott , a sixth-round draft pick from Abilene Christian, had a fumble that safety James Butler who returned 73 yards for a St Louis Rams touchdown. James Butler also intercepted one of Jordan Palmer’s passes in the third quarter and returned it 68 yards before the third-string quarterback tackled him (yikes).

The Bengals have lost five fumbles and thrown three interceptions in three preseason games. Quan Cosby, an undrafted receiver from Texas, returned the Rams’ first punt 49 yards for a touchdown, breaking through the front line of defenders into the clear. He ran past punter Donnie Jones to get to the end zone. Donnie Jones also had a punt returned 44 yards by Tom Nelson in the third quarter.

Rams Kicker Josh Brown missed wide left on a 50-yard field goal try at the end of the first half and missed again on a 51-yard attempt with 3:10 left in the game.

Atlanta Falcons jump St Louis Rams early in 20-13 win

RamFan — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:33:00 GMT

The Atlanta Falcons starters were flawless and St. Louis Rams starters had no answer, even against the second-stringers.

Michael Turner accounted for all but 12 yards on the opening 77-yard drive and Matt Ryan was 7 for 8 for 81 yards with a touchdown pass in two series before he, too, called it a day in a 20-13 preseason victory Friday night. The Falcons had a 14-point cushion before the end of the first quarter.

Steven Jackson had three carries for 10 yards in one series for the Rams (1-1), a bust in new coach Steve Spagnuolo’s first home game as head coach in a half-empty Edward Jones Dome. Announced attendance was 46,958 in an arena that holds 66,000.

St. Louis, 5-27 the last two years, had approached the game with confidence after beating the Jets on the road in their preseason opener. Besides getting steamrolled early on defense, the Rams struggled to move the ball minus two offensive line starters and quarterback Marc Bulger .

The Falcons gave up 191 yards against Detroit in its preseason opener.

Offensive tackle Jason Smith , the second pick of the draft, got his first start for St. Louis after Alex Barron was scratched due to knee soreness. The Rams totaled 79 yards on 30 carries after totaling 193 yards rushing against the Jets.

“There’s a lot of things I need to do better to help the team,” Smith said. “As the offensive line goes, so goes the offense.”

Turner had seven carries for 65 yards on the opening drive against a defense he burned for 208 yards in last year’s regular-season finale in Atlanta. He busted a 43-yard gain on the second play and finished the drive, scoring untouched on a 1-yard run over the left side, before spending the rest of the game on the sideline.

The Falcons (1-1) were good enough to overcome three turnovers that resulted in all 13 points for St. Louis. Atlanta’s defense has allowed three points in the first half of both preseason games.

Atlanta faced one third down each of the first two drives, with Tony Gonzalez capping the second possession with a 14-yard reception for a 14-0 first-quarter lead. Gonzalez had two receptions for 25 yards and Roddy White had back-to-back catches for 33 yards.

Gonzalez attributed the Falcons’ lightning start to Ryan’s play. “He’s a great quarterback,” Gonzalez said. “It’s obvious he’s figuring things out. He has a great arm, talent, and knows how to play with poise.”

The St Louis Rams trailed 14-3 at the half and mustered 109 yards behind second-string quarterback Kyle Boller , the lone score coming after they failed to capitalize on rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis’ interception of a tipped pass by third-string quarterback D.J. Shockley . St. Louis gained no yards in three plays before settling for a 43-yard field goal by Josh Brown .

Brock Berlin , fighting for the Rams’ third-string quarterback job, hit Derek Stanley on a slant for a 20-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. That score came two plays after Shockley fumbled after Larry Grant’s sack.

The Rams drove to the 13 late in the game before Eric Brock intercepted Keith Null in the end zone on 4th-and-6 in the end zone.
Atlanta Falcons rookie S William Moore , who starred at Missouri, has a knee injury and did not dress. The Rams’ 14-year-old stadium has undergone $30 million in improvements with some features not completed until Thursday.

St Louis Rams Rookie offensive lineman Jason Smith could start tonight

RamFan — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:30:00 GMT

St Louis Rams Rookie offensive lineman Jason Smith, the second overall pick of the NFL draft out of Baylor may get to start because fellow offensive tackle Alex Barron has missed recent two practices with knee soreness. It’s also evidence that he’s making progress.

Smith refuses to lobby for a promotion with new coach Steve Spagnuolo or gripe about waiting on the sideline for so long, aside from a few special teams snaps. He’s willing to prove he’s worth the five-year, $62 million contract he signed the day before training camp opened, and still refers to veteran teammates as Mr. Jackson, Mr. Bulger and so on.

There was 4:29 left in the second quarter when the second team offensive line hit the field in last week’s 23-20 victory over the Jets. Smith lined up at right tackle for the first time.

That goes for the season opener, too. He’s likely to open the year as the starter for a franchise building from the ground up after totaling five victories the last two seasons, but is making no assumptions.

If he plays well in the second preseason game, Smith said working against Leonard Little and James Hall in practice will be a major reason. He’s also had to adjust to a three-point stance after playing in a spread offense at Baylor, but said dealing with speed has been tougher.

The 310-pound offensive lineman Jason Smith also credits Adam Goldberg , who started at right tackle in the preseason opener, for helping ready him for the pros. Goldberg would likely move to left tackle, Barron’s spot, if Barron isn’t ready to go on Friday.

Goldberg played at four spots on the offensive line last season, filling in for various injured players. He said it’s part of his job to tutor Smith to take over at right tackle.

Running back Steven Jackson echoed those sentiments, observing that Smith is “full of humility.”

“He’s not afraid to be picked on,” Jackson said. “He knows his stuff, he’s going to work hard, and you like to see that. He’s always upbeat.”

Most of the time, at least.

Rams Rookie offensive lineman Jason Smith dropped the yes sir, no sir routine at the end of an interview when asked about keeping his weight up during two-a-day practices that ended Tuesday. His answer: “Lions eat meat. Whatever runs by.”

Coach Spagnuolo said starters could play the first half against the Falcons when they play here Friday. That means potentially a lot more action for Jackson, who had two carries for 15 yards in the opener.

Eric Bassey’s knee injury maybe season ending

RamFan — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 06:17:00 GMT

There was no official word from the Rams on Saturday, but indications were that safety Eric Bassey’s knee injury was serious and could be season-ending.

In both 2007 and 2008, Bassey worked his way up from the practice squad to appear in 18 regular-season games for St. Louis. He showed some promise on special teams, recording 25 special teams tackles in those two seasons.

But Bassey’s quest to make the ‘09 Rams roster may have ended Friday night. The third-year player from the University of Oklahoma suffered a knee injury in the team scrimmage at Lindenwood University. Bassey finished the evening sitting on a bench with his right knee wrapped on the sideline, crutches nearby.

Following the scrimmage, coach Steve Spagnuolo canceled Saturday’s practice, making it a short work day for the players at Rams Park. They lifted weights and watched film of the scrimmage, and then headed out.

St. Louis Rams sign second-round draft pick James Laurinaitis

RamFan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:14:00 GMT

The St. Louis Rams have signed second-round draft pick James Laurinaitis(notes), the All-America linebacker from Ohio State.

Terms were not disclosed Wednesday. Laurinaitis, who had 375 tackles in college, was the 35th overall pick in the April draft.

Rookies and selected veterans begin workouts on Thursday in suburban St. Louis, with the rest of the squad beginning practice on Friday.

St Louis Rams prepare for battle in Earth City - July 31

RamFan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:55:00 GMT

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When St Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo dismissed his players about a month ago at the conclusion of the club's offseason program, he warned them to be prepared for a rigorous training camp.

Coach Spags wasn't kidding.

Bucking the trend around the league, Steve Spagnuolo will drill his troops twice on most days during the 3½-week camp to be held at Rams Park in Earth City. Many NFL teams have cut down on the number of two-a-days, but not Spagnuolo.

Camp will open July 30 with two workouts that will be limited to quarterbacks, rookies and selected veterans. The first full-squad practice is scheduled for July 31.

A total of 32 practices, plus a scrimmage Aug. 7 at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, will be open to the public. Admission and parking for the sessions at the St. Louis Rams Park are free.

Also, autograph sessions with selected St. Louis Rams players will follow the morning practices and the scrimmage.

source: stltoday.com

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St Louis Rams trade for WR Ronald Curry

RamFan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:36:00 GMT

The St. Louis Rams have added some much-needed experience _ and size _ to their wide receiver corps. League sources told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday that the team has acquired WR Ronald Curry from the Detroit Lions in a trade for defensive tackle Orien Harris.

Harris’ tenure with the St. Louis Rams was a short one, he was acquired from Cincinnati on May 7 in a trade for running back Brian Leonard.

Curry, 30, is 6-2, 210. He caught 19 passes for 191 yards and two TDs last season with Oakland. The Raiders released him in February, and he was signed as a street free agent by the Lions in April.

A seventh-round draft pick by the Raiders out of North Carolina, Curry had spent his previous seven seasons with Oakland. There, he had three seasons of 50-plus catches, including a career-best 62 receptions for a career-high 727 yards in 2006.

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Drew Bennett: Working Out For Ravens

RamFan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:33:00 GMT

Drew Bennett will try out along with D.J. Hackett(notes) and two other receivers who have yet to be named, though Bennett and Hackett are expected to be the most recognizable of the four. The fact that the Ravens are targeting only mid-level receivers right now could be an indication that they believe the recently retired Derrick Mason(notes) can be swayed into returning. Bennett was set to be the Rams’ No. 2 receiver last season before breaking his foot in the opener after only one reception.

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Coach ‘optimistic’ WR Derrick Mason will play in 2009

RamFan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:30:00 GMT

2009 St Louis Rams Schedule

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is “optimistic and hopeful” that wide receiver Derrick Mason(notes) will come out of retirement and rejoin the team during training camp.

Mason surprised the Ravens on July 13 by abruptly ending his 12-year NFL career. The 35-year-old Mason led Baltimore in catches and yards receiving last year, but said he was “ready to see what else life has to offer.”

After speaking with Mason on the phone Tuesday night, Harbaugh maintained hope that Mason would have a change of heart soon after the start of training camp next week.

Harbaugh said his conversation with Mason covered “family, his contract, the team, his feeling about competing and playing, what it’s like to have a long career.” The two also discussed the death of Steve McNair, Mason’s close friend and former teammate.

Upon announcing his retirement, Derrick Mason said he would decline interviews over the next two weeks.

Mason caught 80 passes for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns last season. He also had 12 catches for 190 yards and a touchdown in three playoff games. Without him, Baltimore’s most accomplished wide receivers are Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams.

“From a coaching standpoint, I think we have a chance to be a really good team, and if Derrick Mason is a part of it, that makes us even stronger,” Harbaugh said. “But if he’s not, we’re still going to be a really good team. It comes down to Derrick and where his mind is at. He’s the only one that can decide that.”

The Ravens will hold a tryout for several second-tier receivers Friday, but probably won’t make a major move before they’re sure Mason won’t be back.

“Up until Derrick officially retires, then he’s still a member of the Baltimore Ravens,” general manager Ozzie Newsome said. “We’re OK with what we have, but we’re always trying to get better. If there was a player we available in May or June that we thought could help our football team, we would have gotten him at that point.”

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Pittsburgh Steelers’ sale paperwork complete

RamFan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:25:00 GMT

The NFL Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney’s four brothers signed papers this week transferring majority ownership of the six-time Super Bowl champions to Rooney and son Art Rooney II, the team president.

The complicated sale, ongoing for nearly a year, is expected to close within the next several weeks.

The sale allows Dan Rooney, now the U.S. ambassador to Ireland, and Art II to control 30 percent of the team’s shares, as required of a principal owner under NFL rules.

Dan Rooney and his son are taking on about $250 million in debt to complete the takeover, with their shares used as collateral for a loan arranged by PNC Bank.

Previously, the five sons of Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr.—Dan, Pat, John, Art Jr. and Tim—each owned a 16 percent stake.

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Tim and Pat Rooney are selling their entire 16 percent stakes, while Art Jr. and John Rooney are selling about half of their shares. Tim Rooney and Pat Rooney run the family’s race track business, which now involves gambling operations not permitted by NFL rules.

Some of the 20 percent share previously held by the McGinley family of Pittsburgh also will be sold to Dan Rooney and his son. The late John “Jack” McGinley helped Art Rooney Sr. reacquire the Steelers in 1941, after Rooney briefly sold the team and bought into the Philadelphia Eagles.

To help them complete the transaction, Dan Rooney and Art II added additional investors, including movie producer Thomas Tull; James Haslam III, the president of truck-stop operator Pilot, and the Paul family of Pittsburgh.

Art Rooney II is running the Steelers with his father in Ireland, although he has largely done so since becoming team president six years ago.

2009 St Louis Rams Schedule

Dave Checketts declares his intention to buy St Louis Rams

RamFan — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:18:00 GMT

In a brief but exclusive e-mail exchange with the Post-Dispatch on Monday, Checketts interrupted a short vacation to strongly declare his intention to put together a group of investors to purchase the controlling share of the Rams from majority owners Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez.

"We have the ability to get this done and we have communicated this to the Rams," Checketts wrote in an e-mail. "We approached this with the Rams months ago and have since that time put together a partnership of both concerned St. Louisans and outside capital.

"Last week, we communicated to Chip Rosenbloom in no uncertain terms, that he now has a clear St. Louis buyer. We are that buyer.

"We have reason to believe the NFL would approve our group as we have carefully explored their ownership requirements."

That's strong language from Checketts, who politely declined to elaborate on his plans or reveal the identity of willing investors.

But Checketts clearly is trying to stake out his turf here.

By confidently expressing his belief that he can land the Rams, Checketts is trying to galvanize public, private and political support. It's a smart move. Checketts can attract more investors by making a convincing case that he's a serious player for the Rams.

Checketts already is popular with Blues fans. If he can get Rams fans to rally behind him, even more momentum will shift to Checketts' foray into NFL football.

Rosenbloom and Rodriguez are selling their 60 percent stake in the franchise and have enlisted Goldman Sachs investment firm to help expedite the sale.

Cynics would suggest that Checketts lacks the personal wealth to pull off the purchase of an NFL team. Forbes magazine estimates the Rams' value at $929 million, so Checketts would probably have to raise between $450 million and $500 million to acquire 60 percent of the franchise.

Is Checketts getting in over his head? I heard similar doubts expressed when Checketts entered into negotiations to buy the Blues from Bill Laurie in 2005.

And Checketts has been a success on multiple fronts. Scottrade Center was cold and mostly empty for hockey games as Checketts took over as Blues chairman for the 2005-2006 season. And now the arena is filled again.

The Blues were the worst team in the National Hockey League at the end of Checketts' first season, but the franchise made a triumphant return to the NHL playoffs in April 2009.

Checketts is also in position to pull off another long shot, working with St. Louis city and securing some public dollars to renovate and reopen Kiel Opera House.

As chairman of New York-based SCP Worldwide — an investment firm that focuses on sports, media and entertainment assets — Checketts has displayed an uncanny ability to recruit investors and raise cash.

If Checketts is able to work his magic again, it's unclear what his role would be with an NFL team in St. Louis.

Full-fledged owner? Managing partner? Chairman? It's hard for me to say, because I don't know the identity of Checketts' potential partners or what their feelings are about an ownership structure.

While refusing to disclose specific details, two sources close to Checketts framed some of the activity that's occurred behind the scenes:

— Checketts has had multiple discussions with Rosenbloom and "exchanged valuations" on the sale of the football team. A source close to Rosenbloom confirms the conversations with Checketts.

— The investors who reportedly are linking with Checketts are local St. Louis businessmen "of significant value," who share Checketts' desire to keep the Rams in St. Louis and sort through stadium issues here. I was told that two of the names of investors would be "recognizable" to St. Louisans. Another was described as a "heavy hitter" financially.

— Checketts has informed his friend, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, of his efforts to pursue the Rams.

In 2008, when Checketts first informed me of his interest in buying the Rams, the reaction was generally skeptical. That's understandable, since Checketts' name never appears on the lists of the nation's wealthiest individuals. There's a tendency to underestimate him.

So go ahead and scoff. But I wrote it before and I'll do it again: It would be a mistake to dismiss Checketts. He's resourceful, focused, organized and doggedly determined to get what he wants.

And here's another reason I would consider Checketts a contender for the Rams: He has a friend in the right place.

That would be Chip Rosenbloom, who genuinely likes Checketts.

Checketts has gotten Rosenbloom's attention. Now comes the difficult part: coming up with enough money to get Rosenbloom's football team.

Source: ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Three St Louis Ram scouts and longtime director of security replaced

RamFan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:24:00 GMT

The personnel roster continues to change at the St Louis Rams Park, three scouts have been replaced, as has the longtime director of security.

Rams general manager Billy Devaney let go three of the Rams' eight field scouts: Cary Conklin, *** Daniels and Mel Foels had a total of 20 years with the team.

"I didn't make any changes when I first came in last year (as player personnel chief). I wanted to go through the process in the whole season, and I did that," Devaney said. "After the draft, there were some guys available that I'd worked with before, and I just decided to bring them in."

The new scouts are Drew Casani, Jonathan Gannon and Joel Patton. Brad Holmes was promoted from combine scout to area scout, with Gannon assuming Holmes' previous duties.

Steve Miller, formerly a member of the police department at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, has taken over for Dan Linza as the Rams' head of security. Linza, a retired police chief in Kirkwood, had served in the post for 10 years.

"I have a good relationship with Steve," Devaney said. "It wasn't a reflection on anybody. But again, it was a chance to bring somebody in that I got to know since I've been here."

Team photographer Bill Stover also has been dismissed. His replacement has yet to be named.

The St. Louis Rams have added wide receiver Sean Walker to their roster. Walker, 6 feet and 178 pounds, is an undrafted rookie from Vanderbilt. He practiced Friday as organized team activities continued at Rams Park.