Next to new coach Steve Spagnuolo, St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson might be looking forward to Friday night’s preseason opener more than anybody. Jackson, who got no preseason work last year because of a contract dispute, is eager to see how the “new” Rams fare against the Jets.
“I’m really excited to see what this ’09 team has,” Jackson said. “I think over the last several months, OTAs till now, we’ve really worked on changing the identity of this team. And I think Friday will show where we’re at so far in this early season.”
Jackson conceded that he doesn’t mind a little break from the tedium of training camp, either.
“Camp is a necessary evil,” he said. “You’ve got to get your mind and your body in shape, because it’s going to be a long, grueling season. You just want to make sure you’re fundamentally sound, and I think Friday that’s what we’re going to look for. Make sure that guys are competing and . . . staying true to what’s being taught around here now.”
Notes & quotes:
*The afternoon practice, which ran about 65 minutes, featured equal “team” work for the offense, defense and special teams. The players were in shells.
*CB Ron Bartell (hamstring) remained on the sideline, as did DT Adam Carriker (ankle).
*Rookie DT Darell Scott (knee) sat out after experiencing knee inflammation in the morning workout.
*S Craig Dahl (hamstring) and FB Mike Karney (ankle) were limited.
*The coordinators used headsets to communicate with the one player on each side of the ball with a receiver in his helmet, a rehearsal for Friday night.
*CB Marcus Brown picked off a pass from rookie Keith Null, the fifth interception of the day.
*Former Rams DB Aeneas Williams attended practice with a youth group.
All for now . . .
That may be the most intelligent thing I’ve ever heard Jackson say. If he believes what he told the PD then he has really matured as a person. Maybe for the first time I’m proud that he’s a Ram for reasons other than his talent. I’m hearing a lot of “We” and “The Team”, instead of “Me, me, me.” For this he should be commended.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I have been watching football since 1970. Aeneas is the best I have ever seen. Yeah even better than Prime Time.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The Dude — Really glad to hear about Williams. He always seemed like a class guy.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Fear not, Aeneas Williams is doing well as a motivational speaker and pastor of a church in Clayton. I just seen him do a sermon not too long ago. Terrific guy that has great energy. It was easy to see why teammates looked up to him.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Aeneas Williams did not get a proper send off. He was lost in all of the front office controversy. They should bring him in the home game against Arizona and give him a proper thank you, complete with a highlight reel.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Gets mentioned here all the time
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Is it just me or we´re hearing a lot of interceptions in the camp? Is the defense really that better or the QBs need to step up their game?
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Has anyone slipped more quietly from view than Aeneas Williams? Maybe too quietly: He seems a serious HOF candidate to me (eight times pro-bowl, 55 career interceptions)who never gets mentioned anywhere by anyone.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I have been waiting for the start to the new season and am primed pumped and ready to go! Got a new man cave that will ROCK!
Be there!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0