NFP: Vick worth the risk for Rams
Quote: “Few are agreeable in conversation, because each thinks more of what he intends to say than of what others are saying, and listens no more when he himself has a chance to speak.”
– Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French author and moralist
Sunday, I wrote about the St. Louis Rams having an interest in Michael Vick(notes), which on the surface makes sense. Today, I thought we would welcome in June with an analysis of the team.
Ownership
Sunday, there were reports the Rams are for sale. That might be a new report, but everyone in the NFL knows there’s been a “for sale” sign in front of the team’s facility for the last year. As an organization, the Rams are in transition. There were talks before the NFL draft (this has not been confirmed) that the Rams would not select a quarterback because they didn’t want to put that kind of guarantee on their books for the next owner. Drafting a quarterback is a higher cost than drafting a lineman, which is what many believed was the reason for the Jason Smith(notes) pick. Why this team didn’t select a quarterback is puzzling to me, but being the conspiracy theorist that I am, the selling of the team offers a plausible excuse.
Spagnuolo, second from left, observes reserve Brock Berlin(notes) in minicamp.
Anyone who says the Rams organization – or GM Billy Devaney or even head coach Steve Spagnuolo – would be worried about Vick’s character is not in touch with how these three might think. First, the present Rams ownership group has never been afraid to select players with a history of some off-the-field issues. Does the name Lawrence Phillips come to mind? Just recently, they selected Claude Wroten(notes), who had many troubles at LSU. The Rams will select talent and, at times, overlook off-the-field issues.
Devaney was director of player personnel in Atlanta from 2006-08. He is intimately aware of all the problems that come with signing Vick, so he has a clear understanding of the positives along with the negatives. He knows the football element very well, what style of offense Vick will require to highlight his skill level.
As for Spagnuolo, he is coaching a team without a long-range solution at quarterback. As we know from watching Marc Bulger(notes) play last year, in spite of the team’s big financial commitment to him, he’s in a make-or-break season this year. He must take his overall play up a notch or two and prove he can stay healthy. Regardless, the franchise lacks a long-range solution. Bill Cowher has said many times that he will not take another NFL job unless the quarterback is in place. I’m sure if or when Mike Holmgren or Mike Shanahan return, they’ll feel the same. This interest in Vick is a no-brainer for the football people. When they passed on Mark Sanchez(notes), it might have told us what they had in mind down the road. It might not have been etched in stone, but it was in their thoughts.
Football decision
I understand the Rams were devastated by injuries last season, causing them to be very ineffective as a football team. Their offensive line was poor, and they had no consistency with anything they attempted on offense. What’s the best cure for a bad line? Michael Vick. Vick can move around, he can buy second or third looks; in fact, a bad line makes Vick even better. Instead of sitting in the pocket and reading the coverage, when the line break downs, he takes off and runs, creating big plays. With a quarterback who moves around with the kind of speed and quickness Vick possesses, the defense has to be disciplined with its rush. It has to be under control, making sure it does not forgive rush lanes – thus allowing a bad offensive line to look much better. Slowing down the rush allows a bad line to function. Right now with Bulger, opponents know where he will be; they will pin their ears back and race up the field. He’s a sitting duck. Bugler requires a very talented pass-blocking offensive line, or else his lack of foot speed will create problems. Teams love to rush against bad lines that have slow-moving quarterbacks. It’s a pass-rushing team’s perfect storm.
What do the Rams have to lose signing Vick? They’re desperate to get back on track. Their GM can speak from authority on Vick’s character, and their team needs a huge influx of talent. It makes perfect sense.
When someone told me the other day that the Rams would be players, it made perfect sense on every level. If the team does sell in the next month, it might halt their interest – but in this economy, selling an NFL team is a tough challenge.
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