cmarlow's Blog

STL Metro & "Real Football People" (whatever that means):

It's over & I'm happy about it.  The 2008 Rams were a circus.  Coaching changes, losing streaks, front office house cleaning, Richie Incognito.  I'd like to say they kept it interesting but for long stretches this season they really didn't.

Lots of decisions to make this offseason ... who stays ... who goes.  I'll tell you this, if Torry Holt is let go or traded ... he's gonna have a great season for somebody (Carolina?) next year.  Today showed you that he can still play if the ball is thrown to him ...  he needs 80+ catches per year not 60.

The cupboard is not bare.  A healthy Steven Jackson is a top 5 NFL back.  Donnie Avery at 100% could be scary.  I think you need to bring back Atogwe and Bartell.  Chris Long has unlimited potential and needs to reach it in '09.

Billy Devaney needs to represent come draft day.  I want to see picks 1-4 contribute next year immediately.  No projects ... don't draft Tim Tebow as a multi-purpose weapon.  The Rams need a boatload of big quality players at almost every position.  How about a legitimate fullback in the 4th or 5th round?  Let's live and die with a healthy Jax ... this isn't the "Greatest Show on Turf" anymore.  Fortify the line with the first round pick ... grab Andre Smith or Michael Oher.  Then do whatever you can to get an impact MLB.  Guys like Malealuga (sp) and Laurinaitis don't come around every year.  Trade up if you have to.  I'd love to see them sell out to get 4 really good players.  That's a good draft ... that's how you get better.

I can only talk about the Rams for so long ... it makes my head hurt.

Peace,

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro and Brian Fuentes' Hometown Discount:

We in the media rip on professional athletes every chance we get.  But since it is now the holiday season i.e. the season of giving ... I'm gonna spread some NFL cheer.

Thursday I was at Rams Park getting some interviews after practice.  I walked up to rookie wide receiver Donnie Avery and asked if we could talk to him for a few minutes and he said yes.  Now, I've interviewed Avery several times before and he's always been very generous with his time.

It was reported Wednesday that Avery has played the entire season with a lingering hip injury that has kept him from performing at 100%.  That's what I wanted to ask him about.  Avery gave short answers to the first couple of questions and about a minute in I realized he wasn't really in to the interview.  I said we didn't have to do it anymore and he said he was just tired.

About 5 minutes later Avery came up to me and said his grandmother was very sick and it was hitting him pretty hard.  He said he didn't want me to think he was being rude by stopping the interview.

So ... when you hear on TV, radio or in the newspaper that alot of professional athletes are overpaid, self-centered prima-donnas ... remember that there are still a lot of high character guys like Donnie Avery out there too.

Peace Out,

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro & Bill DeWitt's checking account:

Shame on the NFL aka the "No Fun League."  First off, these Thursday night NFL games tick me off.  Why have marquee games played on a Thursday when probably 90% of the population can't see them.  How many people really have the NFL Network?  So you either have to go to a sports bar to see your team play ... not watch the game at all ... or subscribe to the NFL Network ... which means you're just giving more money to the NFL.

And here's why you shouldn't want to give more to the league.  They don't care about the fans.  Teams charge ridiculously high prices for tickets ... and then if fans decide not to go to the game and it's not sold out, the NFL blacks out the game on TV so nobody can watch it.  Even though the Rams are horrible and I would never pay to see them in person I still want to watch the game on TV.  And I think there's a lot of people that would say the same.  But no, the NFL punishes fans for not attending the game in person by not allowing anybody to watch it on TV.

Think about the people that love watching their team on TV every Sunday but can't afford tickets.  Think about the elderly or handicapped people that love their Rams (even though they're awful) but have trouble making it to the Dome.

It's obvious the NFL doesn't care about these people ... only its pocketbook.

Your Thoughts,

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro & Davey Crockett (Remember the AlamoBowl?)

I'm gonna go out on a limb here ... the North Carolina basketball team is going to win the National Championship.  Now, I'm gonna go even more out on that same limb.  The Tarheels are gonna go undefeated.  Yes you heard me ... undefeated.

Last Wednesday ... UNC blew out Michigan State by 35 at Ford Field which was basically a home game for the Spartans.  MSU is an incredibly deep ... Top 15 type team ... and North Carolina made them look like the Whitmer High School JV squad.

I feel like I've payed close attention to college hoops since around the early nineties.  Christian Laettner's turnaround J against Kentucky and the Fab Five losing to Eric Montross' UNC team are 2 of my early NCAA tournament memories.  And I can't remember a team as deep and talented as this year's NC team.  Syracuse Head Coach Jim Boeheim recently said that UNC's bench would be a Top 10 team ... their second string would be a Top 10 team ... and I really don't think that's too far off.

It's the Heels year ... the season that immortalizes Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson.  Danny Green will be dancing in Detroit come March.

Undefeated ... you heard it here.

Your Thoughts?

And feel free to talk about the impressive starts by Mizzou and Illinois as well.

Peace,

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro and Mizzou's Chances in the BIG 12 Title Game:

The Rams lose at home ... again ... and fail to score a touchdown ... again ... and guess what: they played their best football in over a month!

I'm just happy it was a competitive game.  The Rams actuallly showed a bit of fight, and it's obvious this offense is different when Jax is right.  Another obviousity (I just made that word up) ... Marc Bulger is not very good anymore.  Not only does he no longer help the Rams win games ... but, now he helps the team lose them.  Do you think his teammates have any confidence in him anymore?  I know I don't when I watch him on TV.  You can almost guarantee he'll throw that crucial pick at an inopportune time.

My solution ... play Josh Brown at QB.  Think about it ... he's the Rams best player and he was once a state champion high jumper in high school so you know he's got some athleticism.  Put him in the Wildcat.  Plus he's built more like a strong safety than a kicker so he can probably take a hit.  Can he throw?  I don't have that answer ... but then again ... can Bulger?

Final Thought ... I bet house/yardwork productivity has atleast tripled this football season in the STL area.  Think about all the husbands out there that would actually prefer to clean out their eavestroughs or rake the leaves than watch the Rams play football.

Peace Out,

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro and attendants of Bradley University's annual 40's week celebration (for more on that, google Peoria Journal Star, 40's --- I'm a proud alumnist)

Let's talk a little Richie Rich ... Mr. Not So Incognito ... What do ya'll think?  Should he be released?  I say heck no.  This is pro football, you can't release a player for gesturing to fans --- especially when they weren't even obscene gestures.  Should Haslett admonish him and say publicly he doesn't condone this type of behavior ... yes.

I'm not gonna lie, I like Richie Incognito ... not because he's a great player or because he's a stand-up guy ... becuase he says what's on his mind.  In this PC world almost nobody does that anymore and I think it's refreshing.  As media members we beg for more access and criticize players for giving cliche answers like "one game at a time."  But when somebody does speak their mind and we don't like what they say ... we crush them publicly on TV, radio, online and in the newspapers.  It's a double-edged sword.  We want you to be truthful ... but you better tell us what we want to hear.

I don't agree with most of what Richie Incognito does or says ... but I love that he does and says it anyway.  He's always available after games and practices and doesn't play hide in the shower like other Rams (Why does Torry Holt never talk after games?  He's one of the faces of this franchise?).

Free Speech is a beautiful thing.  Richie's done some dumb things and fans have every right to criticize him ... but he's still allowed to say and do as he pleases ... as long as it's within the law.

Richie Incognito is the best thing that's happened to the St. Louis sports media this season.  He provides us with daily content.  And he's a lot more interesting to talk about than the Rams crappy product on the field.

Happy Thanksgiving to all ... and to all a Good Night,

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro and Chip Rosenbloom's sanity:

I received this text message at 1:23 pm today: "I'm glad I didn't go to the game.  This may be the worst St. Louis team in sports history."  This message was sent to me by my friend Brad Garrett a 28 year old St. Louisan who's lived here his whole life and seen a lot of STL teams.  My response: "I totally agree."

The Rams are abysmal ... they're not even funny anymore ... they're pathetic.  They're the worst sports team I've ever seen ... not just St. Louis teams.  If the Rams played the winless Lions next Sunday at the Dome I'd take Detroit minus 13.

About a month ago I thought Haslett should keep the job ... I no longer think that.  He has failed to get this team to compete for 4 straight weeks.  And how many penalties were called on the Rams in the first half?  I've never seen a referee get so much face-time.

This franchise needs to completely start over.  Get rid of the entire coaching staff and front office.  Here's the only players I care to see back next season: Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Chris Long, Will Witherspoon (as an outside backer), Donnie Jones, Chris Draft (for his on the field versatility and work in the community), Ron Bartell, Travis Minor (as a 3rd running back/special teamer) ... there may be some others, but I can't think of them right now.

The Rams are gonna get like the 5th pick in next year's draft.  Trade it.  Try to get like 4 or 5 picks out of the top 100.  Their first 4 picks must be these 4 positions in no particular order: Left Tackle, Middle Linebacker (with real middle linebacker size), Cornerback, and Quarterback.  I'm biased but I think Ohio State backer James Laurinaitis would be a great pick ... he's 6'3, 240 ... he can be a mainstay in the middle and then you can move Spoon back to the outside.  I also like Maualuga from USC as a middle backer.  Maybe you can get one of these guys around pick 15 or so.  You immediately add size and toughness into the teeth of the defense.  Grab the best available Left Tackle and Cornerback, then maybe get a QB you like in the 4th round.  I don't think Marc Bulger will ever return to the Bulger of old. 

Get rid of the "name players" that now play like a shell of their former selves: Orlando Pace and Torry Holt.  Trade Pisa for whatever you can get ... he's too small to play linebacker.

I could go on for 5 more pages.  Blow up almost the entire roster ... hold open try-outs for fans like that movie "Invincible," throw some money at Fresno State's Pat Hill ... I don't care who they hire as long as they bring in some new energy.  No run of the mill NFL re-treads like Brian Billick.  Unless it's Bill Cowher --- which won't happen.  But why not, give him $10 million per year --- maybe he likes a challenge and wants to prove he didn't just win because of the Rooney family.

I don't care what they do ... just do something big.  It's time for drastic measures because this team needs a drastic turnaround.  Anything the Rosenbloom's do will be welcomed by this fan base.

I can't take it anymore.  The Rams make me want to vomit.

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro and fans of what once was "Big Blue,"

I realize that almost no-one in the metro area cares about Ohio State-Michigan but I do ... so here goes.  Where I'm from (Toledo, OH) Ohio State-Michigan is bigger than life.  It's bragging rights for an entire year.  I've never seen people's emotions sway so far based on the outcome of a football game.

I grew up during the John Cooper era, where it seemed like every year Ohio State went into Michigan week 11-0 ... the Wolverines would be like 8-3 and yet they'd beat OSU almost every time.  Biakabatuka (sp) is a swear word where I'm from ... that one still hurts.

Anyway ... Cooper's inability to beat Michigan makes Jim Tressel's ability to beat Michigan (almost every time) even more gratifying.  Tres flat out owns the Wolverines ... 7-1 in 8 seasons.  The guy could run for governor of Ohio right now and win in a landslide ... and I'm serious about that.  Ohio may be bi-partisan but it's 100% Buckeye.

Anywho ... War Tres running Rich Rod out of Ann Arbor next year after an embarassing home loss at the Big House ... If Michigan is crap again next year I could see Big Blue ripping up Rich Rod's contract, paying his buyout and bringing in Les Miles.  Miles wants the job and would've taken it last year had LSU not been playing for the National Championship. 

Discuss Among Yourselves ...

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro and the Mang's Trophy Case:

Pujols deserved the MVP.  Ryan Howard dominated in HR's and RBI's, two categories that baseball writers used to be in love with.  But, Albert winning this MVP award proves that baseball writers are evolving.  It's not all about the Triple Crown categories anymore.  The writers obsession with the RBI is fading.  Albert won this year because voters acknowledged his domination of on base and slugging percentage.  Albert took his walks while Howard struck out 199 times.  Mang took what pitchers gave him and still hit like .350, 37, 117 (I'm too lazy to look up the exact stats).

This was not a make-up vote.  Albert was more consistent than Howard.  They both had strong August and Septembers but Pujols was better from Opening Day on.  Do you guys remember that Chase Utley was getting all the MVP talk in Philly around the All-Star break and not Howard?

I like Howard a lot, but Albert was better this year.  Howard's strikeout number was way too high and I think voters were wary of giving a guy hitting .251 (again I didn't confirm that) the MVP award.  If Howard would've hit .275 with 150 K's I think he'd a been the guy.

But he didn't so Mang takes home the hardware ... deservingly.

Your Thoughts?

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro & the Rams ... oh, I give up ...

Just so you know ... some imposter hacked into my blog and wrote the previous post where I picked the Rams to beat the Niners 24-17 ... that prediction lasted into about midway thru the 2nd quarter!

What the heck is wrong with this team?!  Nobody can possibly be this bad!  40-0 at halftime last week ... 35-3 at the half today! 

I've never seen football this bad and I covered the Lions for almost 4 seasons!

Boycott the Rams I say!  Bring out the paper bags next week!

I can't take this anymore!

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro & the buzz around Mizzou football:

I can't believe I'm writing this ... but, I'm picking the Rams to beat the 49ers Sunday!  I think this group was so embarassed by last week's debacle against the Jets ... that they'll come out and play some spirited football.

Make it: Rams 24, 49ers 17

What do ya'll think?

All week long I've been listening to talk radio and hearing how the Rams have no chance at San Fran without Steven Jackson.  But folks, this is the 2-7 49ers we're talking about.  They have the same horrible record as the Rams.  Who's to say the blue and gold can't go up there and steal a win.

One more for you.  If you had to make a bet, who has the better chance of being the head coach of their respective team next year, Haslett or Singletary?  I'm going with Haslett.  He's saying all the right things publicly and when the season's over I can see the local columnists calling for his return.  And believe me, Chip Rosenbloom reads the paper.

Just ask Scott Linehan.

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro and the Rams will to compete:

Rams 3, Jets 47 ... enough said!  Or better yet ... Rams 0, Jets 40 ... at halftime!  As I finished watching the first half of this debacle Sunday I thought to myself: did I just witness the worst half of football played by a team in the history of the NFL?

It sounds like a lot of hyperbole but think about it.  The Rams didn't stop the Jets from scoring once in the first half.  The Rams didn't score once in the first half.  Marc Bulger threw a pick and the offense fumbled 3 times---one of which was returned for a touchdown.  You can't get much worse than that!

The Jets didn't discriminate.  They gashed the lambs equally via Thomas Jones on the ground and Dustin Keller through the air.  Meanwhile the Rams offense struggled thanks to a sieve-like offensive line, an inability to run the ball, uninspired play-calling and receivers dropping passes.  It was the perfect storm!

Your Thoughts?

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro & Drew Bennett's Podiatrist:

I've been a bad blogger ... haven't blogged in 14 days ... I have no excuse.

Lots to talk about.

Rams - season over - Haslett coaching for his job future with players that don't have much to play for

Mizzou - the thrill is gone

Blues - reeling

Cardinals - about to trade Ryan Ludwick for a player of similar abilities that makes about 25 times more money than the Ludder.  I'm not a fan of the proposed Ludwick for Holliday deal.  The Cards money can be better spent elsewhere.  It's basically apples for apples.

But there is some good news!  College basketball is about to start!  Does anyone in STL care?

I want to hear from ya'll!

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro and NFL Bounty Hunters:

First off, should the NFL have a league-wide investigation into staph infections?  Kellen Winslow suffers one, and it sounds like Peyton Manning's surgery that the Colts tried to hide was staph related.  People can die from this stuff.

I'm high on the Rams (not as high as former Buckeye star Santonio Holmes, but pretty high), but I don't see them going into Foxborough and beating Beli-cheat.  I hope they do, I just don't see it.  Patriots 30, Rams 17.

Albert is collecting postseason player of the year awards left and right.  I think it's safe to say the NL MVP is next.  Ryan Howard's strikeouts probably turned a lot of voters away, and Albert was the most consistent player all season.

Nickname alert.  When you work in the sports media you're always trying to be the guy that comes up with the next great nickname.  I now state my case.  Ben Bishop, Blues back-up goalie (recently called up) and Chaminade grad.  "The ArchBishop."  I think this one will stick.  You've got the Arch, self-explanatory, Bishop, self-explanatory, and the obvious large Catholic population in the STL.  I'm proud of this one, but it was rather easy, and I'm sure some big name media personality will now steal it from me and claim it.

Buckeyes 24, Nittany Lions 20.

Charlie Marlow

STL Metro and the "Go Green" movement:

A couple of days ago our FOX 2 fearless leader Martin Kilcoyne wrote a "scorched-earth" blog.  I would now like to add to that.

First off, waiters and waitresses that come to your table and ask you "how you're doing" every five minutes.  They basically want to know if you want another drink, but I think they should be able to guage if you want another drink or not by how much is left in your current drink.  It becomes really annoying when they ask you every 5 minutes like this guy did last night as a couple of friends and I were out watching the World Series.

More for the food service industry:  What exactly is an additional tip?  The other day I went to this restaurant that automatically charged you 20% on your bill for gratuity, and I have no problem with that.  But, then there was a line for "additional tip." What is that?  Is it for exemplary service?  Should you always give an additional tip?  If you just give a dollar is it disrespectful?  I understand if you charge the standard 15% automatically then ask for an additional tip for really good service, but I don't really get it, if you're already charging 20%.

Next I scorch Martin Kilcoyne.  Martin sends more text messages then a 14-year old girl.  On my cell phone bill last month I went over my 300 alotted text messages for the first time, and it was solely because of Martin.  In my mind he owes me about $10 in overages.

Next I scorch Rams fans and media members that are already talking playoffs and a Haslett extension.  Believe me, I'm as excited as all of you, but let's take it one game at a time and realize they've only won 2 games.  I also think Haslett will get the job full time, but lets not make our decision after just 2 games.  I think we can all learn from some of the overhype that we gave Mizzou.  I know it's a ridiculously boring cliche, but you have to take things one game at a time, getting ahead of yourself doesn't help at all.

Next, I'd like to scorch our parent network Fox (but only a little bit).  The Fox Trak graphic that says if a pitch is a ball or a strike can not be that accurate.  About 20 times last night it said that borderline pitches were like a foot outside ... I'm not buying it!  But, I did really like the open to their show chronocleing (sp) how baseball has endured thru tough political and economic times.  Great sign they showed after 9-11-01.  U.S.A. Fears Nobody. Play Ball.

That's all I got, I know it's been a minute since I blogged last, but let's get this scorching going, let's make it big, we want to hear from you, what's bothering you?

Holla,

Charlie Marlow