RobDesir's Blog

I know the Lions are winless, and the Chiefs have one less win than the Rams but they way the Blue and Gold have looked this week, they have to be the worst team in the league. Detroit has somewhat of an offense even with Donte Culpepper back from retirement.  K.C. can hang with teams for more than a quarter or two.  The Rams seem to forget what time games for them start because for the last three weeks they haven't shown up in the first half outscored by a combined 99-6.

Here's what they need: a timepiece. Not some Rolex with diamonds all over it. They should all get like Flava Flav and wear big old clocks around their necks. That way when somebody tells them the game starts at 12, they can look down and say, "oh it's time to play."

The watch also needs to have an alarm. Time sometimes tend to fly, so they definitely need a reminder. One that has the crazy annoying beep you all hate to hear in the morning when it's time to go to work.

They also need to be synchronized. You don't want one watch to be off. There are a lot things that are "off" with the Rams: defense, offense, special teams(doesn't  that about cover it?).

The Rams do give up more points than any other team in the NFL, so they are the worst in that respect, but even if they didn't, when you watch these "professionals" take the field, being the worst overall isn't too far off.

For the third consecutive week, the Rams don't have a definitive answer for Steven Jackson's status, but this week there will be no game time decision. According to head coach Jim Haslett, Jackson must participate in practice this week or he won't play.

"I am surely hoping that I come in tomorrow and something miraculous happens today and I can come in and give a full practice because that is what he wants," said Jax, but in all honestly it's looking really, really grim. "The Train" missed practice on Wednesay and Thursday. Two weeks ago in New England, Jackson gave a thumbs down in the pregame warmups, but his thigh clearly wasn't healed last Sunday as he was only able to rush for 17 yards on seven carries in limited action perhaps setting him back even further.

Jackson told us on Thursday, "Monday we had the MRI and it showed that it was some inflammation still in there from the original injury. This MRI was actually worst than the first MRI. Our thoughts are that it was not worst but it was just a hard, tough day and it wasn’t ready and that is why it kind of flamed up on me like that.”

That spells trouble for the rams running game. The Jets are one of the best in the league at stopping the run and Kenneth Darby and Samkon Gado don't exactly sound like the kind of names that can come in and make a immediate impact. Perhaps down the line, but I don't think they can this Sunday against the New York Bretts.

Holla!

I had to paraphrase Jimmy Johnson there, but really, how bout 'em? Did you see the way the Rams laid the smack down on the Cowboys? They beat them so bad, now people are questioning what is wrong with Dallas. Fire Wade Phillips! Jerry Jones is cutting throats on the flight back to Big "D." When you get folks talking about  America's Team like that, that's a good thing.

The Rams scored more points in the 1st quarter than they did in any of their previous games this season. And we have to give props to the defense! Forcing turnovers, getting sacks, and holding the league's third ranked scoring offense(albeit minus Tony Romo) to just 14 points. That's usually what they give up per quarter(kidding! sort of!).

I really thought the Rams, who I'll admit I was calling "Da Lambs" would be 0-6 right now, but they now have two quality wins and you have to respect what they're doing. Now, going to New England doesn't seem like a daunting task. They could actually win.  All hope in not lost and I'm almost, almost ready to believe that this team could end up salvaging their season. Holla!

Stocks are plummeting, so are 401K's, so if your a Rams fan you know there are things that are much worse in life than your favorite team being 0-4 thus far. $700,000,000,000!  Billion yall! Those numbers are crazy! I'll tell you what else is crazy. The Redskins. Under first year Head Coach Jim Zorn, their offense has yet to turn the ball over and QB Jason Campbell has yet th throw an interception. This is guy who's been in like eight different systems in like eight different years. Their running game in the midst of their four game winning streak lead by Clinton Portis(from Da "U" my alma mater) is averaging 162 yards per game.  As for their defense, they're tied for the league lead with a plus six turnover ratio. Compare that to the Rams being at minus three in that category and Coach Haslett might stress holding on to the ball a lot more this week.

The Skins do win their games close, but I don't know if the Rams can keep it close. If they can some how pull a victory in the nation's capital(although official they play their games in Maryland) give them some serious props. I certainly hope they can. Of course, now you can express your thoughts. Holla!     

Perhaps this might be want the Rams need. A quarterback controversy. Remember back in 2002 when the Rams lost their first fives games of the season, then Marc Bulger steps in to replace Kurt Warner and he wins the next five games. The rest was pretty much history and he's been the man ever since. Could that be happening again? No way! Could it? They paid Bulger a whole lot of money last year: 65 million over six years with 27 mill guaranteed. They wouldn't be giving up on him already. But my question is if Green has a solid performance do you keep him as the starter simply because he helped the Rams win their first game? Or is it because he might the offense a little better? Holla!

I though the Rams got served last week! Well the Giants showed Philly. If not for a lucky but a nice play by Torry Holt, the Lambs might still be held without a touchdown for the season. Can you believe they still haven't had a red zone opportunity! That alone ends my thought about them.

As for the Cards they got swept by Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh! They are the worst team in NL Central and now the Redbirds are the Deadbirds and have totally lost any hope of making the playoffs. If you lose the way they did this weekend your not ready  for  the postseason.

Let's end this on a positive note. Mizzou is the bombdiggity! I already see them going to the BIG 12 Champisonship game to face Oklahoma. I don't think there's even a need to worry about Nebraska or Texas. Some people didn't like the fact that they went for that fake field, but you have to impress the voters. They're now a top five team!

Peace!

After getting a  "can" opened up on them last Sunday in Philly, the Rams home opener at the Dome comes against the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. First day of practice for this game was minus starting DL Leonard Little and starting OL Jacob Bell. Both are nursing hamstring injuries and no telling right now if they'll play Sunday.  The Rams lost  WR Drew Bennett for at least a month with a broken bone in his foot so this week they signed Eddie Kennison. You remember when they took him with one of their first round draft picks in the 1996 draft? Well he's back again and he becomes another guy who is quite familiar with offensive coordinator Al Saunders system. He's been out of the league since the Chiefs released back in February. He wasn't hurting though. The man is a entrepreneur. He owns a salon, a real estate company and is getting ready to open a couple of restaurants.    

What's up yall? I know it's been a minute since my last blog...okay I know more than minute, but you know if I'm taking the time to holla at you it's about something Godzilla BIG! The newest member of our sports department Charlie Marlow(What up Charlie?) has already broached the subject with you, but you seriously can't stop talking about because it's just that crazy.

With the Cards leading the Pirates 5-4 Thursday heading into the top of the eighth, Tony La Russa decided that Jason Isringhausen, the same Izzy that has been struggling as a bad as Eric Gagne, was ready to take the hill. He wasn't.  Check this, Izzy walked his first batter, gave up a single to the next, then on a fielder's choice to third, Izzy made a throwing error that allowed the runner to score and tie the game like shoelaces(that would be 5-5).

If you thought that was jacked up(and your thinking,"Tony get him out of there!"), it got worse. After the error, Izzy gives up a three run bomb to not only blow his sixth game of the season, but also suffer his fifth loss of the year.

What's wrong with Jason? Is it an injury? Mechanics?  Confidence? If you ask him, he can't even tell you. One thing for sure is that La Russa has listed  his former closer as problem #1.

Is he done? I'm not doctor, nor do I play one on tv, but I sure hope for his sake somebody can diagnose his problema. Let's call House, he's the smartest doctor in the world. Feel free to include your thoughts.

Good catching up with you all. We should do this more often.

Peace!

It's been a great a season for the Tigers. No, it's been a amazing, historic, unprecendented year for them. Here let me break it down to you if you didn't already know:

 -11 regular season wins

- Their first #1 ranking in the BCS

-First BIG 12 Championship appearance

-Only team in the country to have scored at least 30 points in every game in 2007(that's deep!)

You have to give props where props are due. A win away from appearing in the National Championship.  However, the hump I'm concerned about isn't Oklahoma. Sure, the Sooners handed Mizzou there only loss back in October and have won five straight over the Tigers. While I'm at it OU has beaten MU in 17 of their last 18 meetings, so I can see why the Sooners are favored and would have every right to feel they're the better team heading into Saturday night's game in San Antonio.  

 Here's what scares me yall: The  Sports Illustrated Jinx.

The folks over at SI have decided on the week heading into Mizzou's biggest game in it's school's history to put Chase Daniel on the cover of their magazine. Gahlee! (I want to say something else, but I might get in trouble. I've got bills to pay.) Now you might be sayiing to yourself that It's just a myth, but there are far to many examples of bad things happening to those on the cover after they're featured.  In fact thanks to the beauty of the worldwide web, I read there's nearly a 40 percent chance that something unfortunate will happen after gracing the cover . Whether that be an, injury,  bad performance, whatever. Why did they have to pick Chase Daniel for their cover? The New England Patriots are 11-0, why not pick them?

Daniel is going back to his home state of Texas to play in the conference championship and is also in the Heisman race. If Mizzou loses, don't blame Oklahoma, blame Sports Illustrated. They've jinxed the Tigers! They've been cursed! You might end up saying a few curse words Saturday night. I just hope there aren't any kids arounds. I'm not here to hate on the Black and Gold, but if you see a black cat running around on the field at the Alamodome, don't say I didn't tell you so.

Two fingers! Crossed. 

It's here! All the talk of a potential matchup between two highly ranked BCS teams is no longer talk, it's reality. #4 Mizzou vs. #2Kansas. Normally, just the names of these schools before and after the "versus" was enough, but now the numbers ahead MU & KU have made it the most important game in it's 115 year history. Some people are trippin' that Mizzou isn't third in the BCS, but I'll pull an Albert Pujols here and say, "Who cares?" All that stuff will work itself out after Saturday night. Mizzou and Kansas both control their own destinies and whoever wins out will absolutely be playing in the National Championship game.

I know the Jayhawks are 11-0,  and you have to respect that, but can you respect their schedule?  Southwestern Louisiana, Toledo, and Florida International? And oh yeah, you didn't hear this from me, you probably already knew this, but  they didn't have to play Oklahoma, Texas or Texas Tech this season. But you know what? Them boys from Lawrence will absolutely open everyone's eyes if they can beat Columbia's finest. 

Mizzou got in KU like a wedgie at Memorial Stadium last year. This year, neutral site and the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium in K.C. will split down the middle just like the all-time series(53-53-9). Although  I'm told Kansas believes they lead the series because of some game back in 1960 that they won but had to forfeit. That's old history and none of the coaches, players, and students could care less about 1960. They care about 2007. November 24. I can't wait! Let's see who is indeed the better team.

Two fingers! 

I won't go as far as saying that it's football at it's purest, but I'll take the college level over the NFL any day of the week. Each and every Thursday, Friday, or Saturday in the fall, there's a game that has National Championship implications. This past weekend was no different. Big shout out to Illinois for pulling off the win against undefeated Ohio State knocking them off the #1 BCS ranking.  I won't even call it a major upset, because Ron Zook has the Illini believing they're capable of beating anybody and they've proven that they are good enough.  It's been a great season for the boys from the "Pain." There are about a half dozen schools that will probably send Zook a thank you card and Mizzou is one of them. 

Although it's slim, Mizzou has chance of entering into the BCS title game, but they have to win out and need some help along the way in the next couple of weeks. My biggst fear for Mizzou is Kansas. Some people say they Jayhawks aren't  for real. How can you say that when there 10-0? Sure they didn't have to play Oklahoma or Nebraska but they way that offense looks, if they beat Mizzou, they'll see OU in the conference championship game. They win that and they should play on January 7, 2008 for all the marbles as they say, even if it does sound crazy. Back to Mizzou, I'm happy for the Tigers success this season. They should beat Kansas State on the road which will set up  the showdown with KU at Arrowhead for the Big 12 North Division Title.  Forget the records in that game, it's a rivalry. They hate each other and the fact that so much will be riding on this game will make it that much more exciting to watch.  Possibly in primetime in front of a national audience to get Chase Daniel some Heisman Trophy exposure. I don't think he'd win it, but it's an honor to be mentioned in the conversation and receive and invitation to the ceremony.

No matter what happens to Mizzou and Illiniois  the next couple of weeks, they've more than likely earn themselves a spot in Bowl worth watching. Like I said, I love college football. The only thing I'm not loving is my beloved Miami Hurricanes season so I'll get on the bandwagons of the Black and Gold and Illinois. 

Two fingers!

This past weekend was real strange my good people's. Saturday afternoon if you were looking for the Mizzou game against Iowa State, you couldn't find it. Those looking for the Rams Sunday afternoon couldn't  find that either. It was Blacked Out! Now I understand why the Rams game wasn't televised. They were 0-7 heading into their contest  against Cleveland. I can't figure out why none of the networks would pick up the Tigers game though. Mizzou is one of the most exciting teams in college football right now, but the decision makers found more interesting games in their eyes to show instead of Black-n-Gold I guess. One thing is sure: that won't happen to Mizzou from this point forward now that they're 9th in the BCS standings (and I hope they end up in major bowl).  

As for the Rams, there's a good chance that you haven't seen the last of not seeing the Blue-n-Gold. Just don't take it out us. We can't buy all the tickets all the time. Let's all pray for the Rams this week and hope the bye  will do them so good and that November will be the month they finally, finally, finally, finally, finally, finally, finally, finally(notice there's 8 finally's) earn their first "W". I just sincerely hope that if you don't have ticket for the next couple of home games your able to see it on T.V.

Two fingers!   

The field of 65 has been unveiled for the NCAA Tournament and now it's time for the annual office pools. Don't you just love it? I don't want to put some of you out on Front St., but not all of yall can call in sick the 16th and 17th? The bosses won't believe it. They may be out themselves, but not you. They know they won't get the most production out of you the next three weeks anyway because you'll be too worried about who's leading the staff pool and why in the hell did they pick a 15 seed beating a 2 seed.

Now here are just some of my thoughts: I think the West Regional might be the toughest of the four with the East a really close second. Speaking of the West, that's where we find our two local favorites, Southern Illinois and Illinois. S-I-U is a four seed with a first round matchup against the 13th seeded  Crusaders of Holy Cross. The Illini are a 12 seed and were one fo the last teams to earn an at-large bid(whew!). They'll face the fifth seeded Hokies of Virginia Tech. If the Saluki's and U of I both advance to the second round they'll face each other on Sunday the 18th in Columbus, Ohio. Don't you just love it? Bruce Weber taking on his old team, one which current S-I-U head coach Chris Lowery served as one of his assistants. Can the student school the teacher? I know I'm jumping ahead but I want to give  the Committee props just for setting this potential matchup.  Again, the West is tough with Kansas the number one seed, UCLA the two, and Pittsburgh the three. If the Saluki's or the Illini managed to make the Sweet 16, it could be a long flight out to San Jose only for a short stay.

My sleeper team in the Dance is Butler but I also like Winthrop to be playing next weekend. My first round upset special and you can go ahead and write this on your form, Arkansas over Southern Cal. I may not goes as far as writing this on your sheet but for some reason, I'm feeling Wright St. over Pitt. My toughest first round game to pick is Marquette(Marty-Mar's alma-mater) against Michigan St. I don't know Marty, I wouldn't be too confident. Arizona vs Purdue is tough as well, but the 8 vs 9 games are always a killer. That's why you should fill out at least three brackets sheets. You need to have one crazy sheet, one that you wouldn't normally pick those teams, but you will only cause you know why they call it March Madness. 

Now for the answer to the question some of you( I think) have been waiting for. Who does the Dizzle like to win it all? Drumroll please.................................................
...................(long drum roll).......................You ready?

The Championship game will  feature the same two schools that played for the  BCS Championship on the gridiron back in January: Ohio State vs Florida. The defending champs appear to be chomping(gator chomp of course) at the bit to be in Atlanta again on April 2nd where they won the SEC Conference Tourney. However their mission  of going back-to-back will be denied by the Buckeyes. The freshman phenom, the man-child(what did his momma feed him?) Greg Oden will be too dominate in the paint and will have Ohio State cutting down the nets in the Georgia Dome. 

Am I crazy? You let me know. Who's your champion? What region is the toughest. Who's your sleeper? By the way, make sure you all print out one of our bracket sheets right here or herre and play along with us. Good luck in your office pools and if you pick Florida like me, be sure to send me a little of your winnings my way. I'm waiting to hear from you.  

Hello All,

I know, I know, it's been a while since I last blogged and for that I apologize. But I'm back baby! So I wanted to return with a hot topic that'll make you go, "Hmmm!"  now that one of my favorite times of the year approaches. The third month of the calendar is time that can bring family, friends, co-workers, lovers and haters together or apart all because of one thing: The NCAA Tournamnent a.k.a The Big Dance. 

"Break out the office pools, I've got five on it!"

Now while some of you may have already decided who'll be your champion when submitting your bracket sheet and we'll have to discuss that later once the field of 65 is projected(see I'm already talking about another blog coming soon) I'd like to focus on a few of our prestigious bi-state universities.

Got to start the conversation with the fellas down in Carbondale. The SIU Saluki's are how should I put it, like Jim Jones of the Diplomats says, "Ballin'!" These cats, excuse me, Egyptian dogs have already won the MVC regular season conference title and appear to be on there way to win the MVC Tourney next weekend. I think no matter what happens from here on out, SIU has played their way to at worst a five seed in The Dance. If the Salukis run the table, and cut down the nets, they could be a three seed which would be phenomenal. I love the fact the that they're also doing it with some local flavor on the hardwood: Randal Falker and Matt Shaw. Keep doing your thing!

Next are we head upstate in the Land of Lincoln for those that reside in Champaign. Illinois may have lost Chief Illiniwek but they have not lost their focus of post-season play. Believe it or not, the Illini on some projection boards are on the outside looking in. What! Don't fret Illini fans, they're in it to win it like lotto without a shadow of doubt. I just want to see Illinois have a strong performance in Chicago at the Big Ten Tourney. Afterall, they've got the home-away-from-home-court advantage. However with Jamar Smith done for the year after making a stupid mistake(and what young kid doesn't make stupid mistakes) with the whole DUI, I'm a little concerned with their outside shooting. Rich McBride can shoot but I'd like the Illini a lot better with Smith. As far as seeding is concerned, I'm not sure what kind of love the selection committee will give them, but I see them somewhere in the 7-10 seed range.

On this side of the bridge our dance card doesn't appear to have a lot of suitors. Missouri State is on the bubble so they really need to do some damage at the MVC Tourney and proabably if not win the whole thing to recieve an automatic bid, they'll have to reach the championship game. The Valley is probably looking at three teams total dancin', four if they're lucky.

Mizzou and SLU won't being going unless they win their respected conference tourney's and that ain't happening. I love what Mike Anderson has done with Tigers but they've just shot themselves in the foot a couple of times too many. The Bills have done the same, but here's what I forsee for both schools. Mizzou and SLU get invited to play in the NIT(The Junior Prom) which both accept and find out they have to play each other in the first round at Scottrade. Wouldn't that be worth watching? Even if it is a NIT game.

Well people, those are my thoughts and I'm glad I was able to reconnect. We'll do this again soon. I'm promise. Now let me know if what I think is crazy, you agree, disagree, whatever. Get at me.

Peace!