Will Jackson really miss some regular season time? (1 Viewer)

[abhall]

When's the last time you saw a player of this magnitude hold out/sit out for a season?This will get resolved, one way or another.

Emmitt Smith, 1993.

 

[mozzy84]

the cost of time

Steven Jackson

December 24, 2005 -- Rams running back Steven Jackson tries to fend off San Francisco cornerback B. J. Tucker.

(CHRIS LEE/P-D)

By Jim Thomas

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

08/13/2008

MEQUON, Wis. — Unless he unexpectedly parachutes into Wisconsin today, running back Steven Jackson will go 0-for-Concordia. And 0-for-Nashville, as well.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Jackson's contract holdout had reached 19 days, easily the longest holdout in the 14-season history of the "St. Louis" Rams. By NFL definition, a holdout occurs when a player under contract skips training camp or practice.

By that definition, Jackson is only the third holdout since the Rams moved to St. Louis in 1995.

Interestingly, the two others also were running backs. Jerome Bettis skipped the first two weeks of camp in 1995, and was fined $4,000 per day per league rule.

Bettis never did get the contract extension he sought and was traded to Pittsburgh during the 1996 draft after just one season in St. Louis.

In 1999, Marshall Faulk missed the first 12 days of camp, and was not fined. Rams management basically winked and looked the other way at Faulk's absence. They had traded for him three months earlier with the promise they would rework his contract.

Given Faulk's history of knee problems, team management didn't mind him missing part of **** Vermeil's 33-day training camp that year at Western Illinois University.

Rest assured, the Rams' aren't winking at Jackson's absence. He has missed 22 practices, as well as the

exhibition opener against Tennessee.

Under the collective bargaining agreement, the price of missing work has gone up since the Bettis holdout. At $15,166 a day, Jackson's fines now total $287,204.

Although nothing close to a breakthrough has occurred, the Post-Dispatch has learned that there have been low-key talks in the last day or two between Rams president of football operations-general manager Jay Zygmunt and Jackson's agent, Eugene Parker.

That's the first indication of any dialogue between the parties since the first day of training camp — July 25.

On that day, Parker informed the Rams that Jackson would not be attending camp, and the Rams countered by saying there would be no negotiations until Jackson reported.

The Rams' last known offer was seven years for about $50 million, with about one-third of the $50 million believed to be in guaranteed money.

TICKING CLOCK

As of Tuesday, the Rams were finished with two-a-days for training camp.

After one practice today, the team breaks camp and returns to St. Louis on Thursday. Once back at Rams Park, the team will have at most only a dozen practices before the regular-season opener, Sept. 7 in Philadelphia.

Is that enough time to get Jackson ready? You can lift all the weights and run all the sprints in the world, but the only way to get into "football shape'' is by practicing football.

Even a young player such as Jackson, 25, will need awhile to get up to speed.

"Oh yeah, it'll take him a few weeks," former Rams coach **** Vermeil said Monday during his visit to camp. "I don't know what they'll do. But I would bet they'll temper his play early, and he won't be a 30-carry guy on opening day — if he's back by then."

Coach Scott Linehan, ever the optimist, isn't ready to concede that his opening-day game plan needs to be altered because of Jackson's holdout.

"I don't think it'll be tough for him," Linehan said. "We've got to adjust our preparation once he gets in. Sooner than later obviously would be better. ... We do have a plan for it. And that plan will be ever-changing based on when he does come in."

For his part, Vermeil is a firm believer that players who hold out are more likely to be injured.

"Carl Peterson did a study for the Kansas City Chiefs," Vermeil said. "He's one of the most experienced presidents-general managers in the National Football League.

"He's been there since 1989, and he's done studies as to holdouts. Not only in Kansas City, but all through the league. He says there's a much higher correlation or a chance of getting injured after holding out, regardless of position."

PROS AND CONS

In terms of running backs, there are a couple of high-profile instances of injured holdouts in the recent past:

— After rushing for 1,435 yards for the NFC champion Green Bay Packers in 1997, Dorsey Levens held out then suffered a broken leg in the '98 regular-season opener.

— In 1998, Jamal Anderson led the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl with 1,846 yards rushing. After a holdout in '99, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Game 2 of the regular season and missed the rest of the year.

There are also some notable examples of backs who prospered during their holdout years.

— In 1993, Dallas star Emmitt Smith missed the first two games of the regular season in a lengthy holdout before signing a new deal.

Smith still led the NFL in rushing, with 1,486 yards, and the Cowboys repeated as Super Bowl champs.

— After his holdout in '99, Faulk topped 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving for the Greatest Show on Turf.

The Rams went on to defeat Tennessee in Super Bowl XXXIV.

"We had a lot of injuries last year and we had everybody in camp," Linehan said. "A lot of that's (bad) luck in a lot of ways. I think as long as (Jackson's) training and we do a good job of training him, getting him ready. ...To be honest with you, that really isn't a concern."

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/st...81?OpenDocument

 

[puckalicious]

"He's been there since 1989, and he's done studies as to holdouts. Not only in Kansas City, but all through the league. He (Carl Peterson) says there's a much higher correlation or a chance of getting injured after holding out, regardless of position."

In terms of running backs, there are a couple of high-profile instances of injured holdouts in the recent past:

There are also some notable examples of backs who prospered during their holdout years.

"We had a lot of injuries last year and we had everybody in camp," Linehan said. "A lot of that's (bad) luck in a lot of ways. I think as long as (Jackson's) training and we do a good job of training him, getting him ready. ...To be honest with you, that really isn't a concern."

Lot's of conflicting opinions. Until I see data to support Peterson's statement, it appears to me that the risk of serious injury is pretty equivalent between players who attend training camp, and players that hold out of training camp for an extended period.And as mentioned, Jackson has been out due to injury several games a season already. Even so, if it happens again this year look for some people in the SP to come out with "SJ injured due to holdout"....

 

[Mr. Fusion]

When's the last time you saw a player of this magnitude hold out/sit out for a season?This will get resolved, one way or another.

Emmitt Smith, 1993.

This is the only one I can thing of myself. The 'Boys go 0-2, Emmitt comes back (and probably got half the deal Jackson has) and they win the Superbowl.Less likely to happen with the Rams...

 

[TheFanatic]

I heard on the radio yesterday here in town that the Rams are breaking came early and coming back tomorrow morning and that that once they are back, the reported guessed that Jax would stop by the Rams training facility in Earth City and begin working out, essentially reporting for duty which would satisfy the Rams requirement to report before any more negotiations.

This way Jax can come in and get some workouts in the weight room, but not be in any contract drills that he might get injured in, and the Rams and his agent can talk.

Not sure if this guy is pulling this stuff out of his butt, but that's what I heard yesterday here in St. Louis...

 

[burd]

I heard on the radio yesterday here in town that the Rams are breaking came early and coming back tomorrow morning and that that once they are back, the reported guessed that Jax would stop by the Rams training facility in Earth City and begin working out, essentially reporting for duty which would satisfy the Rams requirement to report before any more negotiations. This way Jax can come in and get some workouts in the weight room, but not be in any contract drills that he might get injured in, and the Rams and his agent can talk. Not sure if this guy is pulling this stuff out of his butt, but that's what I heard yesterday here in St. Louis...

i drafted SJax last night and he was available at #10 (i couldn't believe it when he lasted that long!!). Anyway, im inclined to believe that SJax will come to his senses and report. he's not yet quite as established as Emmitt Smith to actually holdout ... and he doesn't seem like that kind of guy. The Rams are far removed from being true SB contenders, so i don't think SJAx has much leverrage.

 

[LawFitz]

I heard on the radio yesterday here in town that the Rams are breaking came early and coming back tomorrow morning and that that once they are back, the reported guessed that Jax would stop by the Rams training facility in Earth City and begin working out, essentially reporting for duty which would satisfy the Rams requirement to report before any more negotiations. This way Jax can come in and get some workouts in the weight room, but not be in any contract drills that he might get injured in, and the Rams and his agent can talk. Not sure if this guy is pulling this stuff out of his butt, but that's what I heard yesterday here in St. Louis...

i drafted SJax last night and he was available at #10 (i couldn't believe it when he lasted that long!!). Anyway, im inclined to believe that SJax will come to his senses and report. he's not yet quite as established as Emmitt Smith to actually holdout ... and he doesn't seem like that kind of guy. The Rams are far removed from being true SB contenders, so i don't think SJAx has much leverrage.

#10 is just ######ed. ######ed I tell you.Took him #2 overall in an initial dynasty a few weeks ago (PPR). SJax is a flat out stud. But he's on a bad-to-avg team and because he won't be in football shape I agree that injury risk goes up with each missed day. He's already missed all of camp so hopefully the reports above are true.In a redraft of any format, he should not slip past 5. Only guys you can justify are LT, AP, Westy, Addai. Maybe Brady if QBs have enough value, but that's it. So call it 6. Anything beyond that and it's worth the injury and team risk. SJax will play, you just gotta hope the Rams and his body can hold up despite the lost camp this year.This dude is a beast. If he was signed and the Rams were better he'd be challenging LT for #1 overall this year - don't sleep on the Al Saunders effect!

 

[burd]

SJAx landed to me at #10 and i was kinda surprised .. and happy.

 

[Real Man of Genius]

I heard on the radio yesterday here in town that the Rams are breaking came early and coming back tomorrow morning and that that once they are back, the reported guessed that Jax would stop by the Rams training facility in Earth City and begin working out, essentially reporting for duty which would satisfy the Rams requirement to report before any more negotiations. This way Jax can come in and get some workouts in the weight room, but not be in any contract drills that he might get injured in, and the Rams and his agent can talk. Not sure if this guy is pulling this stuff out of his butt, but that's what I heard yesterday here in St. Louis...

i drafted SJax last night and he was available at #10 (i couldn't believe it when he lasted that long!!). Anyway, im inclined to believe that SJax will come to his senses and report. he's not yet quite as established as Emmitt Smith to actually holdout ... and he doesn't seem like that kind of guy. The Rams are far removed from being true SB contenders, so i don't think SJAx has much leverrage.

#10 is just ######ed. ######ed I tell you.Took him #2 overall in an initial dynasty a few weeks ago (PPR). SJax is a flat out stud. But he's on a bad-to-avg team and because he won't be in football shape I agree that injury risk goes up with each missed day. He's already missed all of camp so hopefully the reports above are true.In a redraft of any format, he should not slip past 5. Only guys you can justify are LT, AP, Westy, Addai. Maybe Brady if QBs have enough value, but that's it. So call it 6. Anything beyond that and it's worth the injury and team risk. SJax will play, you just gotta hope the Rams and his body can hold up despite the lost camp this year.This dude is a beast. If he was signed and the Rams were better he'd be challenging LT for #1 overall this year - don't sleep on the Al Saunders effect!

I have the 6 spot in a redraft in a week and am very much hoping he slides to me there. So let's hold out a few more days, OK Steve?

 

[creeps1313]

I heard on the radio yesterday here in town that the Rams are breaking came early and coming back tomorrow morning and that that once they are back, the reported guessed that Jax would stop by the Rams training facility in Earth City and begin working out, essentially reporting for duty which would satisfy the Rams requirement to report before any more negotiations. This way Jax can come in and get some workouts in the weight room, but not be in any contract drills that he might get injured in, and the Rams and his agent can talk. Not sure if this guy is pulling this stuff out of his butt, but that's what I heard yesterday here in St. Louis...

i drafted SJax last night and he was available at #10 (i couldn't believe it when he lasted that long!!). Anyway, im inclined to believe that SJax will come to his senses and report. he's not yet quite as established as Emmitt Smith to actually holdout ... and he doesn't seem like that kind of guy. The Rams are far removed from being true SB contenders, so i don't think SJAx has much leverrage.

#10 is just ######ed. ######ed I tell you.Took him #2 overall in an initial dynasty a few weeks ago (PPR). SJax is a flat out stud. But he's on a bad-to-avg team and because he won't be in football shape I agree that injury risk goes up with each missed day. He's already missed all of camp so hopefully the reports above are true.In a redraft of any format, he should not slip past 5. Only guys you can justify are LT, AP, Westy, Addai. Maybe Brady if QBs have enough value, but that's it. So call it 6. Anything beyond that and it's worth the injury and team risk. SJax will play, you just gotta hope the Rams and his body can hold up despite the lost camp this year.This dude is a beast. If he was signed and the Rams were better he'd be challenging LT for #1 overall this year - don't sleep on the Al Saunders effect!

I have the 6 spot in a redraft in a week and am very much hoping he slides to me there. So let's hold out a few more days, OK Steve?

Im up in an email draft....#7 pick. SJax is there but so is Moss. Ive NEVER taken a QB or WR in the first round, but this is a 1PPR and a start 2RB/3WR(Pro Form) or 1RB/4WR(Spread). I want SJax, but Im having visions of LJ last year....and since we have to start at least 3WR, Moss value increases.I hate drafting this early in the season...

 

[poo flingin monkey]

I heard on the radio yesterday here in town that the Rams are breaking came early and coming back tomorrow morning and that that once they are back, the reported guessed that Jax would stop by the Rams training facility in Earth City and begin working out, essentially reporting for duty which would satisfy the Rams requirement to report before any more negotiations. This way Jax can come in and get some workouts in the weight room, but not be in any contract drills that he might get injured in, and the Rams and his agent can talk. Not sure if this guy is pulling this stuff out of his butt, but that's what I heard yesterday here in St. Louis...

i drafted SJax last night and he was available at #10 (i couldn't believe it when he lasted that long!!). Anyway, im inclined to believe that SJax will come to his senses and report. he's not yet quite as established as Emmitt Smith to actually holdout ... and he doesn't seem like that kind of guy. The Rams are far removed from being true SB contenders, so i don't think SJAx has much leverrage.

#10 is just ######ed. ######ed I tell you.Took him #2 overall in an initial dynasty a few weeks ago (PPR). SJax is a flat out stud. But he's on a bad-to-avg team and because he won't be in football shape I agree that injury risk goes up with each missed day. He's already missed all of camp so hopefully the reports above are true.In a redraft of any format, he should not slip past 5. Only guys you can justify are LT, AP, Westy, Addai. Maybe Brady if QBs have enough value, but that's it. So call it 6. Anything beyond that and it's worth the injury and team risk. SJax will play, you just gotta hope the Rams and his body can hold up despite the lost camp this year.This dude is a beast. If he was signed and the Rams were better he'd be challenging LT for #1 overall this year - don't sleep on the Al Saunders effect!

I have the 6 spot in a redraft in a week and am very much hoping he slides to me there. So let's hold out a few more days, OK Steve?

Im up in an email draft....#7 pick. SJax is there but so is Moss. Ive NEVER taken a QB or WR in the first round, but this is a 1PPR and a start 2RB/3WR(Pro Form) or 1RB/4WR(Spread). I want SJax, but Im having visions of LJ last year....and since we have to start at least 3WR, Moss value increases.I hate drafting this early in the season...

Just drafted in a 12 team league (1PPR) today and drafted Jackson with the 12th pick. Could not believe it, but drafters appear to be scared to draft him (YEAH!)

 

[acefootball]

I have a draft that just started today and I have the 8th selection. After reading the following post (taken from a Rams message board) , I am really thinking I'm gonna pass on him should SJax make it to me. Although sometimes these things turn around quickly.........

The Howard is Howard Balzer who some of you I'm sure are familiar with.

Howard was interviewed this morning and had the following tidbits:

1. He has been covering football for 30 years and he hasn't heard of a situation where an agent a) fires a star client right before his biggest contract and b) thanks the player's sister when leaving. Howard's point was something is really wrong for this to occur.

2. Howard doesn't have info from SJ or from his agent, but word is SJ wants to be the highest paid NFL runningback. He thinks the old agent also made this rather clear in a quote on yahoo sports that Stephe Jackson deserves to be the highest paid running back in the NFL.

My two cents, if this is true, let him rot. He isn't the best runningback in the NFL PERIOD. SJ, if you wants top money, come back under the current deal and prove you deserve it. Please don't demand top money, when you haven't shown that you are actually the top player at your position.

3. Howard also dropped for the second time that he is hearing that Stephen Jackson is thinking about firing his current agent. Howard suggested that SJ was upset that his agent didn't show up at training camp. Yes, he wanted his agent to just show up unannounced and start talking. Howard said that SJ has it wrong. SJ was supposed to show up at training camp and then he agent would be invited to talk money.

As usual, Howard has insightful information.

 

[TheFanatic]

I have a draft that just started today and I have the 8th selection. After reading the following post (taken from a Rams message board) , I am really thinking I'm gonna pass on him should SJax make it to me. Although sometimes these things turn around quickly......... The Howard is Howard Balzer who some of you I'm sure are familiar with.Howard was interviewed this morning and had the following tidbits: 1. He has been covering football for 30 years and he hasn't heard of a situation where an agent a) fires a star client right before his biggest contract and b) thanks the player's sister when leaving. Howard's point was something is really wrong for this to occur. 2. Howard doesn't have info from SJ or from his agent, but word is SJ wants to be the highest paid NFL runningback. He thinks the old agent also made this rather clear in a quote on yahoo sports that Stephe Jackson deserves to be the highest paid running back in the NFL. My two cents, if this is true, let him rot. He isn't the best runningback in the NFL PERIOD. SJ, if you wants top money, come back under the current deal and prove you deserve it. Please don't demand top money, when you haven't shown that you are actually the top player at your position. 3. Howard also dropped for the second time that he is hearing that Stephen Jackson is thinking about firing his current agent. Howard suggested that SJ was upset that his agent didn't show up at training camp. Yes, he wanted his agent to just show up unannounced and start talking. Howard said that SJ has it wrong. SJ was supposed to show up at training camp and then he agent would be invited to talk money. As usual, Howard has insightful information.

I heard all of this as well except for point #3. Howard has two flaws, 1)he rambles which is why he normally works alone because no one else can stand him. Evidently when he rambles he closes his eyes and it drives the producers nuts because they can't signal him to STHU. On his show on 590 when he rambles and they need to go to break they have to play the theme music to get him to open his eyes and realize it's time for a break. 2) he is a complete Rams apologist. No player on the Rams can do any wrong when it comes to play on the field. All that being said, Howard is extremely intuned with the Rams as well as most of the rest of the league. Evidently SJ is getting bad advice from his sister. The previous agent quit because he knew the Rams would not make SJ the highest paid RB like he wants. And that SJ didn't hire a new agent till April or May which did not give the Rams much time to negotiate a new deal.

 

[Bl Deep]

Stephen Jackson is an idiot...

Jamal Anderson v2.0

 

[acefootball]

I have a draft that just started today and I have the 8th selection. After reading the following post (taken from a Rams message board) , I am really thinking I'm gonna pass on him should SJax make it to me. Although sometimes these things turn around quickly.........

The Howard is Howard Balzer who some of you I'm sure are familiar with.

Howard was interviewed this morning and had the following tidbits:

1. He has been covering football for 30 years and he hasn't heard of a situation where an agent a) fires a star client right before his biggest contract and b) thanks the player's sister when leaving. Howard's point was something is really wrong for this to occur.

2. Howard doesn't have info from SJ or from his agent, but word is SJ wants to be the highest paid NFL runningback. He thinks the old agent also made this rather clear in a quote on yahoo sports that Stephe Jackson deserves to be the highest paid running back in the NFL.

My two cents, if this is true, let him rot. He isn't the best runningback in the NFL PERIOD. SJ, if you wants top money, come back under the current deal and prove you deserve it. Please don't demand top money, when you haven't shown that you are actually the top player at your position.

3. Howard also dropped for the second time that he is hearing that Stephen Jackson is thinking about firing his current agent. Howard suggested that SJ was upset that his agent didn't show up at training camp. Yes, he wanted his agent to just show up unannounced and start talking. Howard said that SJ has it wrong. SJ was supposed to show up at training camp and then he agent would be invited to talk money.

As usual, Howard has insightful information.

I heard all of this as well except for point #3. Howard has two flaws, 1)he rambles which is why he normally works alone because no one else can stand him. Evidently when he rambles he closes his eyes and it drives the producers nuts because they can't signal him to STHU. On his show on 590 when he rambles and they need to go to break they have to play the theme music to get him to open his eyes and realize it's time for a break. 2) he is a complete Rams apologist. No player on the Rams can do any wrong when it comes to play on the field. All that being said, Howard is extremely intuned with the Rams as well as most of the rest of the league.

Evidently SJ is getting bad advice from his sister. The previous agent quit because he knew the Rams would not make SJ the highest paid RB like he wants. And that SJ didn't hire a new agent till April or May which did not give the Rams much time to negotiate a new deal.

I wasn't aware of that........I find that pretty funny.

 

[TheFanatic]

I have a draft that just started today and I have the 8th selection. After reading the following post (taken from a Rams message board) , I am really thinking I'm gonna pass on him should SJax make it to me. Although sometimes these things turn around quickly.........

The Howard is Howard Balzer who some of you I'm sure are familiar with.

Howard was interviewed this morning and had the following tidbits:

1. He has been covering football for 30 years and he hasn't heard of a situation where an agent a) fires a star client right before his biggest contract and b) thanks the player's sister when leaving. Howard's point was something is really wrong for this to occur.

2. Howard doesn't have info from SJ or from his agent, but word is SJ wants to be the highest paid NFL runningback. He thinks the old agent also made this rather clear in a quote on yahoo sports that Stephe Jackson deserves to be the highest paid running back in the NFL.

My two cents, if this is true, let him rot. He isn't the best runningback in the NFL PERIOD. SJ, if you wants top money, come back under the current deal and prove you deserve it. Please don't demand top money, when you haven't shown that you are actually the top player at your position.

3. Howard also dropped for the second time that he is hearing that Stephen Jackson is thinking about firing his current agent. Howard suggested that SJ was upset that his agent didn't show up at training camp. Yes, he wanted his agent to just show up unannounced and start talking. Howard said that SJ has it wrong. SJ was supposed to show up at training camp and then he agent would be invited to talk money.

As usual, Howard has insightful information.

I heard all of this as well except for point #3. Howard has two flaws, 1)he rambles which is why he normally works alone because no one else can stand him. Evidently when he rambles he closes his eyes and it drives the producers nuts because they can't signal him to STHU. On his show on 590 when he rambles and they need to go to break they have to play the theme music to get him to open his eyes and realize it's time for a break. 2) he is a complete Rams apologist. No player on the Rams can do any wrong when it comes to play on the field. All that being said, Howard is extremely intuned with the Rams as well as most of the rest of the league.

Evidently SJ is getting bad advice from his sister. The previous agent quit because he knew the Rams would not make SJ the highest paid RB like he wants. And that SJ didn't hire a new agent till April or May which did not give the Rams much time to negotiate a new deal.

I wasn't aware of that........I find that pretty funny.

He did a show in the offseason with Andy Strickland who is a hockey guy. It was a general sports show but they got a lot of football and hockey callers. Andy couldn't get a word in at all. A couple times I heard him yell, "howard, open your eyes," or, "Howard you have your eyes closed again and we need to go to break." And then it hit me when he is the only guy they play music over that he does this all the time. It cracks me up when I hear them kick the music on. He must drive his producer crazy...

 

[AnonymousBob]

Very interesting stuff regarding SJax. Thanks to acefootball, TheFanatic and the other homers. If he's reporting to workout that might signal a deal could be worked out soon. Then again I had no idea he was such a headcase.

 

[TheFanatic]

Very interesting stuff regarding SJax. Thanks to acefootball, TheFanatic and the other homers. If he's reporting to workout that might signal a deal could be worked out soon. Then again I had no idea he was such a headcase.

Last year he whined about the home crowd not being loyal. Something that he is getting raked over the coals about now since he isn't showing any loyalty.Also, he complained that the music between plays at the dome wasn't amped up enough or there was no music at all like other stadiums and said something about how that would help motivate him. Something else the hometown and talk radio crowd didn't like. He needs music to be motivated? I will say this, most of the media love the guy because he is extremely candid. Almost too candid and has gotten him in trouble as was with these two cases....I'll keep reporting what I hear from Howard. He now has a nightly football show on a different station. I think the falling out with Andy Strickland was cause for his leaving 1380 for 590. But now he has a nightly show till I guess the start of the season. Not sure...

 

[TheWick]

From Jim Thomas's online chat today on stltoday.com

Steve B: Hi Jim

If Steven Jackson holds out past this week, do the Rams need to look at bringing in a veteran like Shawn Alexander? Can Jackson get ready for the regular season with such little work in a new offense?

Jim Thomas: No matter how great of shape Jackson is in, there is no way, shape, or form Jackson will be able to have a full workload on opening day even if he came in today. And once this week passes, it will be problematical whether Jackson can even play in the opener. Beyond the physical, there's the mental. I know this is a running back friendly offense, but it's also a voluminous offense. There's a lot of stuff to cover.

hopkins4rams: Jim,

Will we see Avery on Saturday? How about Brown and OJ? I think Bulger brings on some of the pressure himself with his lack of a good hard count and terrible play fakes. Look at the most durable QB's (Favre, Brady, and Manning) they all excell at these. Also Andy Strickland has suggested on 1380 that Jackson may be in town this week to get treatment on a lower leg strain. Could this be an out for both sides(Jackson reports but doesn't practice while getting treatment, meanwhile the 2 sides can get back to the table). Did I hear you right on Bernie's show that Around the Horn's is one of the most popular Blogs? If so why do talk show hosts continue to harp on the so called fan apathy?

Jim Thomas: Avery will play Saturday. Brown and OJ won't. Actually, Bulger has a very good hard count. He got San Diego to jump offsides twice. I've been told by reliable sources that Jackson is in fact in town. As for Around the Horn, it had nearly 28,000 more hits than any other blog during the first week of camp. This is a little bit more of a football town than most people think.

Hopefully this thing ends this week

 

[AnonymousBob]

Very interesting stuff regarding SJax. Thanks to acefootball, TheFanatic and the other homers. If he's reporting to workout that might signal a deal could be worked out soon. Then again I had no idea he was such a headcase.

Last year he whined about the home crowd not being loyal. Something that he is getting raked over the coals about now since he isn't showing any loyalty.Also, he complained that the music between plays at the dome wasn't amped up enough or there was no music at all like other stadiums and said something about how that would help motivate him. Something else the hometown and talk radio crowd didn't like. He needs music to be motivated? I will say this, most of the media love the guy because he is extremely candid. Almost too candid and has gotten him in trouble as was with these two cases....I'll keep reporting what I hear from Howard. He now has a nightly football show on a different station. I think the falling out with Andy Strickland was cause for his leaving 1380 for 590. But now he has a nightly show till I guess the start of the season. Not sure...

I heard about him whining last season but thought maybe he just felt unloved after following in Faulk's footsteps so I brushed things aside. Didn't know the other parts. Guy seems a bit off.

 

[TheWick]

Very interesting stuff regarding SJax. Thanks to acefootball, TheFanatic and the other homers. If he's reporting to workout that might signal a deal could be worked out soon. Then again I had no idea he was such a headcase.

Last year he whined about the home crowd not being loyal. Something that he is getting raked over the coals about now since he isn't showing any loyalty.Also, he complained that the music between plays at the dome wasn't amped up enough or there was no music at all like other stadiums and said something about how that would help motivate him. Something else the hometown and talk radio crowd didn't like. He needs music to be motivated? I will say this, most of the media love the guy because he is extremely candid. Almost too candid and has gotten him in trouble as was with these two cases....I'll keep reporting what I hear from Howard. He now has a nightly football show on a different station. I think the falling out with Andy Strickland was cause for his leaving 1380 for 590. But now he has a nightly show till I guess the start of the season. Not sure...

I heard about him whining last season but thought maybe he just felt unloved after following in Faulk's footsteps so I brushed things aside. Didn't know the other parts. Guy seems a bit off.

He's got alot of attitude and some edge to him for sure. He is the only player on this team that has any edge at all so as a Rams fan I welcome his attitude. Even though his whining is usually misplaced atleast when on the field he backs up every bit of talk. Take a look at the games he played in last year he's a bad dude no matter what the rest of the team is doing.

 

[CLIFF]

Anything new here? I like the sound of having SA come in just in case. I picked him up in our league for $1 at the end of the Draft.

 

[zadok]

Jim Thomas: No matter how great of shape Jackson is in, there is no way, shape, or form Jackson will be able to have a full workload on opening day even if he came in today. And once this week passes, it will be problematical whether Jackson can even play in the opener.

As an Eagles fan, I say , and .

 

[crowe1130]

Jim Thomas: No matter how great of shape Jackson is in, there is no way, shape, or form Jackson will be able to have a full workload on opening day even if he came in today. And once this week passes, it will be problematical whether Jackson can even play in the opener.

As an Eagles fan, I say , and .

Note to self: Draft Eagles defense to use week 1.

 

[mozzy84]

 

[Bills_Fan11]

When's the last time you saw a player of this magnitude hold out/sit out for a season?This will get resolved, one way or another.

Not sure how the discussion gets so much more complex than this. If you have to go back 15 years to find a guy who held out 2 games, I don't see what the problem is. Reward > Risk.

 

[TheFanatic]

When's the last time you saw a player of this magnitude hold out/sit out for a season?This will get resolved, one way or another.

Not sure how the discussion gets so much more complex than this. If you have to go back 15 years to find a guy who held out 2 games, I don't see what the problem is. Reward > Risk.

Everyday he misses the Reward goes down (likelihood of missing the first game or only playing a little bit) and the Risk goes up (the likelihood the holdout goes beyond the opening of the season). As a Rams homer, I'm worried and getting a little pissed....Dude is going to get booed until he starts putting up serious yards and TD's. If he goes down with an injury shortly after signing the fans may go into revolt....St. Louis is a weird town. The fans here idolize players with a lot of heart and those that work hard but not the most skill. In hockey they loved guys like Bob Bassen, Kelly Chase, and Basil McRae but hated guys like Petr Nedved. In baseball, Adam Kennedy (first go round, not as much the second go round), Stubby Clap, Bo Hart, and So Taguichi were adored but if we traded for Manny he would be booed mercilessly the first time he didn't try to leg out a single.Rams fans are the same way. Linemen and a crappy TE like Conwell get as much love as the skill players. But when guys do crap like this they get pissed. A lot of Rams fans are pissed at Pace for the crap he pulled with various contract negotiations. I realize that all will be good as soon as SJ is racking up 120 and 2 and the Rams are winning, but if he stalls any longer and then doesn't produce this guy is going to be hated...

 

[ukshane]

Unless they are living in Fantasy Land, the Rams have to know they are going to suck hard this year. Why would they cave to his demands and backup the money truck if they have a 0.00% chance of making the playoffs?

 

[TheFanatic]

Unless they are living in Fantasy Land, the Rams have to know they are going to suck hard this year. Why would they cave to his demands and backup the money truck if they have a 0.00% chance of making the playoffs?

Why do you say that? They have a seemingly healthy line again. Last year they used 15 different starters. They still have Bulger and Holt. Leonard Little is healthy again. They shored up the D and added depth on the O-Line in the draft and with FA. Jackson is the key though. Look at their division. Seriously, look up and down their division. The Seahawks have JJones and Duckett running the ball and who knows catching the ball. The 49ers still don't know who their QB is and have some weak WR's. The Cardinals have Leinart throwing to two stud WR's, one of which is disgruntled, and Edge - under 4.0 YPC - rushing. Do any of the defenses in this division scare you? So, which team will have the best O? If SJax is back then it's the Rams.

 

[AngryPatriot]

OK it's August 20th... any insiders out there? There HAS to be some news today or tomorrow, has to be. I've traded for SJAX in 3 leagues and now I have "concerns".

 

[texasheat]

OK it's August 20th... any insiders out there? There HAS to be some news today or tomorrow, has to be. I've traded for SJAX in 3 leagues and now I have "concerns".

Wish I could offer some comfort for you, but I can't. Even if he reported today it's hard to imagine this not effecting him for at least a few weeks.

 

[TheFanatic]

OK it's August 20th... any insiders out there? There HAS to be some news today or tomorrow, has to be. I've traded for SJAX in 3 leagues and now I have "concerns".

I'll be listening to Balzar on the way home. I'll let you know what I hear...

 

[TheFanatic]

Ended his hold out. Reporting tonight!!