Hartman made the great point that Sam Bradford is damaged goods. Surely, the Rams could never pass on Ndamukong Suh to selected a damaged QB like Bradford? Marvez is obviously backing Schefter and Clayton, as he called out the Rams administrators for passing on QBs two years in a row when Bulger is clearly not the solution. Hartman replied (correctly) that the Rams could never protect a rookie QB with the rubbish offensive line they (we) have.
This is where it got stunning: Marvez declared that he totally disagreed with that statement about the Rams' offensive line. He felt that was a greatly improved group last year, and they would be further improved this season with 1 more year of experience for Jason Smith. He declared with vehemence that the Rams could not continue to pass on young quarterbacks.
Oh... Jesus... where do I begin to deconstruct the lies!
I don't blame Marvez for following the Rams lightly, and not keeping track of current events. Many do not. They do not consider us relevant in the NFL anymore. They have not for several years now.
There was a point last season where what Marvez said seemed to be true. It was fugacious, to borrow a word from that sesquipedalian Steve Young. In the five offensive line positions, the Rams had 5 primary starters last season:
- Left Tackle Alex Barrow -- A very serious fuck up. One of the most penalized OL men in the league over the past 5 years. Personally responsible for about 30-40% of Marc Bulger's injuries over the past several years. Crap-ass pass protector.
- Left Guard Jacob Bell -- an itty bitty teeny weenie guard with a serious tear in his hamstring now. Lost for the season. Never had much drive in his legs. He will have less after the hamstring tear. He's not a bad guy, but he isn't a great guard.
- Center Jason Brown -- now this is a badass. If we had more like him we'd be just fine.
- Right Guard Ritchie Icognito -- Worst case of 'Roid rage in NFL history. Cut by the team for conduct detrimental after massive numbers of unsportsman like conduct calls. He had one hell of a straight right punch, and he knew how to taunt the officials before game winning field goals.
- Right Tackle Jason Smith -- Made a few rookie mistakes but looks fundamentally solid. This is another badass in progress. If we had more like him we'd be just fine.
So where do we stand going into 2010?
- Incognito is gone.
- I believe Barrow will not be back. If we bring back we will regret it. He sucks. I would trade him for a postage stamp if anybody in league would give me one.
- Jacob Bell may be back, but he is not a solid solution at Left Guard.
- Jason Brown is a badass
- Jason Smith is a badass
Ergo we have 2 out 5 positions solidly filled. Ghee... let me think... Can we protect a rookie QB like Sam Bradford with just 40% of an offensive line? No, fuck no.
Marvez! Pull your head out of your ass! Check on current events before making stupid declarations! You fucked up.
