St. Louis Rams: 14 Player Who Will Not Be Back in 2012

The St. Louis Rams are now 10 games into a season that was suppose to bring them their first playoff appearance since the 2004 season and their first NFC West title since the 2003 season. 

With their current 2-8 record, they have been bad in so many ways and have been an embarrassment to their fanbase—a fanbase that surely spent the offseason bragging to fans of the opposing NFC West teams, only to be humiliated. 

The defense has been very bad at times, particularly against Baltimore when rookie receiver Torrey Smith caught three touchdowns in the first quarter in a game they lost 37-7. Then there was the Dallas game, where rookie running back DeMarco Murray ran for 253 yards in a 34-7 loss. 

But it's not just the defense. In fact, the defense is the team's strength as pathetic as that sounds. 

Over the last three games, the Rams offense has played about as poorly as an NFL offense can possibly play, with only 33 points combined throughout those three games.

It's still unclear if a coaching change at the end of the year is inevitable, but it's certainly likely. Even if there isn't a change, there will surely be drastic changes throughout the roster. 

Heads will roll and players will be out of work. 

Here are 14 players who are not worth keeping. It's very possible a good portion of these players will be looking for new employers at season's end. 

Fred Robbins (Defensive Tackle)

Fred Robbins has not been a complete bust in 2011, not necessarily, but the team's laughable run defense during the first half of the season is likely a direct result of the Robbins' clear regression. 

The 34-year-old is no longer a difference maker. It's possible he'll retire on his own, or the team may no longer want him, despite the fact he's still under contract in 2012. 

Mark Clayton (Wide Receiver)

Mark Clayton had his first three catches of the season last Sunday against Seattle and saw a few plays against Cleveland the week before, but he missed the first eight games as he's still recovering from his ACL tear from the 2010 season. 

Clayton had a good five game stretch for the Rams in 2010 (23 receptions, 306 yards and two touchdowns), but he has been average for most of his career, and so far in 2011 he hasn't really given the team a reason to offer him a new contract in 2012. 

It's very possible a younger receiver, such as Austin Pettis or Greg Salas, can duplicate Clayton's production without requiring a veteran contract. 

James Butler (Safety)

With only three total tackles on the season, it is remarkable that the team opted to keep a used up veteran such as James Butler rather than saving the roster spot for a very promising late round developmental project like linebacker Jabara Williams. 

With Darian Stewart and Quintin Mikell coming along nicely as a very solid duo at safety, and with Craig Dahl as a mediocre but serviceable backup, it's likely that Butler will be replaced in 2012. 

Al Harris (Cornerback)

Al Harris will be 37 years old in less than three weeks. He was solid once he was forced into a starting role for five games due to a swarm of injuries at the cornerback position, but he is done. 

You don't see defensive backs suffer knee injuries and then return to training camp at the age of 37, not in the NFL. 

He played well during his five games as a starter, which is more than most people thought he would contribute to the team in 2011, so he should be proud for doing his job. 

Harris had a remarkable 14 year career, but there's no need to push for 15 years. 

AJ Feeley (Quarterback)

The job of a backup quarterback is to perform at a level that's just respectable enough to give the team a chance to win, which is exactly what A.J. Feeley was able to do during the Rams 31-21 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Feeley has not done anything truly negative to where he deserves to be let go, but he'll be a free agent after the season is over. 

Rather than offering Feeley another contract, the Rams will likely realize that Feeley was only brought in due to his experience in the West Coast Offense, which the Rams no longer run. 

The Rams might look for a backup quarterback who's more familiar with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system, such as Kyle Orton. 

Jacob Bell (Offensive Guard)

In 2008, the Rams signed Jacob Bell to a six-year deal worth $36 million dollars, which was restructured into a one-year deal prior to the 2011 season. 

With Bell entering free agency at the end of the season, the Rams will rid themselves of a player who's been nothing short of awful at left-guard. 

Mike Hoomanawanui (Tight End)

The fifth-round draft pick from 2010, Michael Hoomanawanui (or Illinois Mike) flashed some potential during his rookie season (146 yards, three touchdowns), despite missing eight games due to injury. 

Some felt that the injury bug would pass and Illinois Mike would continue to grow into his potential in 2011, but he has still been unable to avoid injuries. 

So far in 2011, he has had injuries to his ankle, calf, back and head, but thankfully (for his sake) he finally found himself on injury reserve with a knee injury. 

With the staggering number of injuries on his resume, it's clear that Illinois Mike is not built for NFL football.

Billy Bajema (Tight End)

Billy Bajema was brought on board back in 2009 as a blocking specialist out of the tight end position, which is great, except for the fact that he's a terrible blocker.

He makes a habit out of getting schooled by defensive ends while pass blocking, while he has no receiving abilities whatsoever to fall back on. 

He'll be a free agent at the end of the season and the Rams have no reason to bring him back. 

Jerious Norwood (Running Back)

Jerious Norwood, despite possessing some explosive playmaking abilities, has been struggling with injuries for the past three years. 

Sometimes teams will sign a player like Norwood hoping that they can turn their career around, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. It's no one's fault and there's no real harm, but teams just take gambles like that on occasion and it didn't work out for the Rams this time around. 

Norwood has been battling a hamstring injury and has only contributed 18 total rushing yards in 2011, so the Rams will likely look elsewhere for help at running back in 2012. 

Ben Leber (Outside Linebacker)

Ben Leber was brought to the Rams prior to the 2011 season as an answer to one of the defense's most glaring needs—a starting outside linebacker. 

Leber has only 15 total tackles on the season and has started in only three games. The 32-year-old has been very slow on the field, which has resulted in him getting absolutely killed against the run.

The Rams will be looking for a younger linebacker with more speed in 2012.

Brandon Gibson (Wide Receiver)

Brandon Gibson is the very definition of an average NFL receiver—he doesn't have particularly amazing hands, speed, strength, height, quickness or route running, he's just average all around.

With Danario Alexander, Greg Salas, Austin Pettis, Danny Amendola, Dominique Curry (a special teams star) and hopefully soon-to-be free agent Brandon Lloyd, along with possibly a rookie receiver if they opt to use a high draft pick on one, there's really no roster spot left for an underwhelming receiver with zero special teams value such as Gibson.

Gibson has 28 catches for 332 yards and touchdown in nine games, so he has not been awful, but there's just not a lot of upside with him.

Justin King (Cornerback)

Third-year corner Justin King has been forced into action due to an unnatural wave of injuries to the cornerback position.

He was exposed during his third start against the Baltimore Ravens, giving up three touchdowns to receiver Torrey Smith in the first quarter alone.

Since then, he has improved his game steadily week-to-week, but is still leaving a lot to be desired. 

With Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Jerome Murphy, Marquis Johnson and Josh Gordy all hoping to return next season, it's possible King will not make the team again in 2012. However, with his newly gained experience as a starter, he would not be a terrible option as a fourth or fifth-string corner. 

Jason Brown (Center)

Despite signing a five-year $37.5 million contract prior to the 2009 season, center Jason Brown was benched two weeks ago due to poor performance. 

With such an enormous contract and such horrid play, it's likely the Rams will cut all ties to the free agent bust regardless of any dead money that will count against the salary cap. 

Jason Smith (Offensive Tackle)

Jason Smith was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 draft, but his career so far has been nothing short of a catastrophic disaster. 

Smith's rookie year was plagued with injury, but he bounced back with an average season in 2010 with 15 total starts and seemingly decent play at right-tackle. 

However, Smith's play has plummeted in 2011. His pass blocking has been amateur hour and even got him benched during the Baltimore game, while his run blocking has been average but not nearly enough to warrant any real recognition. 

He suffered a serious concussion during the Dallas game, which is alarming given his history with concussions dating back to his rookie year. It's possible the concussions could be a long term problem and could even end his career prematurely, but that's purely speculation. 

Even if he does return to full health, his whopping $61.7 million contract is just too disgustingly disproportionate to justify bringing him back. If he does not restructure his contract, then the team will cut him and take a cap hit that won't be nearly as harsh as the $10 million that he's due in 2012. 

There's been nothing but positive things said about him as a person, and Rams fans are hoping for a full recovery from his concussion, but it still doesn't change the fact that he is the maybe the biggest roster obstacle for the team moving forward. 

St. Louis Rams: 5 Things That Will Save Their Season From Going Up In Flames

St. Louis fans are frantic at the moment trying to figure out what went wrong with their beloved Rams. 

But honestly, it's not rocket science. The answers are quite clear. 

Steven Jackson, an elite running back in this league and their best overall player, has been sidelined since Week 1 after only two carries. 

Their most reliable wide receiver, Danny Amendola, who happens to be Sam Bradford's favorite bailout option, dislocated his elbow during the Rams' 2011 opener against Philadelphia. This explains why the team is converting only 25.5 percent of their third downs. 

If those two injuries weren't crippling enough, they also lost Ron Bartell for the season from a neck injury. He was by far the team's best cornerback heading into 2011. 

But with both Jackson and Amendola possibly returning for the team's Week 4 matchup against theWashington Redskins, both the excuses and the patience are running thin. 

The Rams have to get their act together soon if they want to avoid a catastrophic outcome. That means Sunday is practically a must-win situation. 

Here's what they have to do to get back on track not only for the Washington game, but for the remainder of 2011...

1) Fix the Leak In the Secondary

The secondary is one of the most obvious faults with the team currently.

You won't hear Ron Bartell's injury being discussed on ESPN or the NFL Network, but truthfully his injury has had just as much negative impact as any other current injury in the NFL besides Peyton Manning.

He does not have multiple Pro Bowls on his resume, but he is a veteran presence with superb coverage and tackling skills. He truthfully lies between the top 10 to 15 cornerbacks in the NFL, but don't tell ESPN—they'll never admit that since he's not playing on a coast.

Bartell was injured with a fractured neck during Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ever since then, in his place, the Rams have relied on their 2008 fourth-round pick Justin King. The results have been disastrous to say the least. 

Last week against the Baltimore Ravens, King allowed rookie receiver Torrey Smith to score three touchdowns in the first quarter alone. The Rams lost in a 37-7 blowout. 

The Rams have to resolve the situation before every remaining team on their schedule destroys their secondary, simply by attacking the weak spot (King). 

The Rams just recently made their first effort toward clogging the leak by signing veteran corner Rod Hood. 

Here are the details regarding the Hood signing. Basically he's the best veteran available and should produce better results than any corner currently on the roster. 

For the sake of their 2011 season, the Rams better hope that Hood is a somewhat-dependable response to their cornerback situation. 

2) Quickly Synchronize Amendola and Clayton

The Rams need offensive production and they need it fast. 

They have converted only 25.5 percent of their third-down conversions and their offense has given up just as many defensive touchdowns as they have scored all season (three).

It's not overly shocking due to them losing their two most productive offensive weapons to injury (Danny Amendola, Steven Jackson).

However, they'll possibly be getting both of their top two weapons back from injury as soon as this Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

Along with the return of Jackson and Amendola, the Rams will be reacquainted with another familiar face—wide receiver Mark Clayton. 

Clayton was the Rams' top receiver the first four weeks in 2010. Clayton had 22 catches for 300 yards and two touchdowns in his first four games with the Rams last season before going down with a season-ending knee injury during the team's fifth game against Detroit.

After a year of rehabbing the knee, Clayton has returned to the Rams and has been placed on the team's PUP list (physically unable to perform), which automatically makes him inactive for the first six weeks, but allows him to return to the team for Week 7.

This means that Sam Bradford will be reunited with two of his favorite offensive targets within the next couple of weeks.

On the bright side, this could result is a major boost for the team's offensive production.

However, Bradford hasn't thrown a pass to Amendola in three weeks and he hasn't thrown to Clayton in a year, which could result in sloppy routes and poorly timed passes. 

The Rams need to avoid setbacks. They don't have time for an adjustment period. Bradford needs to be in sync with both Amendola and Clayton as soon as they return. If he can accomplish that, then the payoff could be huge. 

   

3) Remember Who’s Boss

It was exciting to watch Sam Bradford play last season since he was a No. 1 overall draft pick, so much so that people forgot who the team belongs to—Steven Jackson. 

It was like a child getting a new Game Boy for Christmas and temporarily forgetting about the Xbox hooked up to the flat screen (not that Bradford doesn't have the potential to be every bit the difference-maker Jackson is).

This team does not have the receiving arsenal required to excel through the air, although the return of Amendola and Clayton could help make that a reality. 

What the team does have, however, is an elite running back in Jackson. 

Call him old, say that he lost a step, but he is elite whether you like it or not. 

When Jackson is in the game, defenses have no choice but to respect the run. Cadillac Williams played decent at times filling in for Jackson while he's been out with his quad injury, but Williams does not strike fear in opponents.

When the defense is respecting the run, they are not respecting the pass. And Bradford has the physical tools to make them pay for that, no matter how mediocre his receivers are.

Jackson is a difference-maker in this league. If you need proof, then look no further than the past three games when he has been out of the lineup. Give Bradford responsibilities, but put the outcome of the game on Jackson's shoulders.   

4) Threaten Steve Loney’s Job and Make the Offensive Line Earn Their Money

The Rams have been struggling with a below-average offensive line for several years now. 

Players have come and gone. The Rams have drafted linemen, cut linemen, signed free agents and switched up their positions. 


They spent a No. 2 overall draft pick on Jason Smith, a second-round pick on Rodger Saffold and they've invested in three mid- to high-priced free agents (Jacob Bell, Jason Brown, Harvey Dahl). 


The effort toward finding offensive line talent is undeniable. The front office has spent a lot of resources in building a solid front five. 


But after the first three games of 2011, the Rams offensive line is still playing at a below-average level. 


With all the resources and all of the change, there is one constant that still remains—offensive line coach Steve Loney. 


Loney was hired during the Scott Linehan regime of 2006 to 2009. He is the only coach from that era still remaining, for some reason unknown to the St. Louis fanbase.


At the very least, given the continued futility, the front office should at least put some pressure on Loney. Threaten his job and demand results. He has no excuse. The front office has gone to hell and back finding him talent to work with and still he has yet to produce a respectable product on the field.


But it can't be 100 percent on Loney. The players need to have personal accountability. The coaching staff should have a private meeting with the starting five linemen and remind them what each of them are earning each game. Warn them that there will be changes sooner rather than later if they do not perform at an admirable level.


And finally, the surrounding players need to get involved. Sam Bradford needs to get in Jason Smith's face every time he gets bull-rushed to the ground. Steven Jackson needs to chew out Jacob Bell every time he runs into a brick wall.  


5) Smack Someone In the Mouth, Taste Some Blood

The team is flat and lifeless on the field, and the emotion is just not visible. Someone needs to light the fire under the rear end of this team and get them fired up to play on game day. 

Enough with the foolish penalties during critical situations. If they are going to get penalties, fine, but at least get something out of them. 

To quote the great Al Pacino from the movie "Any Given Sunday":

"If you're going to make mistakes make them big. I'm not going to eat your lunch for that."

If you feel the need to get a penalty, don't do it when the team is on a promising drive trying to get its first score of the game. 

Do it during a low-risk situation when the opposing team has the momentum. Chop-block someone, head-slap someone, draw some blood. Be nasty.

If the you're going to lose, fine. If the other team is going to end up winning, fine. But at least make the other team leave the game beat up. At least establish a scrappy reputation.

Don't let the other team leave the game hoping that they can play you again every single week for the remainder of the season.  

Establish that identity, show that swagger, then future opposition will enter the games with less confidence. 

Rookie receivers will try to step up

With the unfortunate injury to the Rams' wide-receiver Mark Clayton, there are some shoes to fill at receiver. Clayton, a former 1st round pick for the Baltimore Ravens, was acquired by the Rams just before the start of the season. Clayton was meant to be the replacement for the injured Donnie Avery. Clayton was a more than suitable replacement, racking up 306 yards and 2 touchdowns throughout the first four games. However, last week against the Detroit Lions, Clayton left the game with a serious knee injury, and he will not return for the rest of the 2010 season.

Avery started the season as the number one receiver, then Clayton took over, so now the Rams will be looking for their third "number one" receiver only five games into the season. Danny Amendola figures to be the most talented receiver at this point, but he fits well in the slot, and doesn't have to size to line up on the outside.

Brandon Gibson is the receiver that needs to step up. At 6'0" and 210 lbs, Gibson has the size to play on the outside. He also has the potential to be a decent red-zone threat (although his height is not as ideal as his weight).

Other than Gibson, and Amendola, the Rams will be focusing on their rookie receivers. Mardy Gilyard, the Rams' 4th round draft pick in 2010, has seen some playing time at kick-returner, but he does not have much playing time at receiver. Gilyard has only five catches on the season, for 42 yards. Gilyard has the moves to become a big play threat, but he has not been able to turn his potential into game-day production as of yet.

The more interesting option, as far as rookie receivers, is Denario Alexander. Alexander is an undrafted free-agent out of Mizzou; it is widely believed that Alexander would of received a late 1st-4th round draft grade, had it not been for his troubling history with knee injuries. In 2009, Alexander led the NCAA in receptions (113), as well as receiving yards (1781), and he also had 14 touchdowns. He has ideal speed (4.4 40-yard dash) and size (6'5" 215 lbs) to be a solid down-field threat, as well as a big red-zone threat.

Alexander was activated from the Rams' practice squad, to the 53-man roster. The promotion took place on Monday, as a result of Clayton's injury. Head-coach Steve Spagnuolo said that the Rams' trainers are comfortable with Alexander's knee, and believe he is ready to see action. According to Alexander, his knee feels better than it did during last season at Mizzou.

Are the Rams foolish for missing out of Jackson/Moss? Or Smart?

After being widely considered the worst team in football, according to preseason speculation, the Rams are currently ranked 24th in ESPN's power rankings, and 23rd on Fox Sports. Pretty impressive considering most in the national media never expected the Rams to even leave the 30's in the rankings. More importantly however, the Rams are in 2nd-place in the NFC West, and they are tied for the the best record in the division.

Typically, rebuilding teams shy away from blockbuster trades, because they feel that saving draft picks better serves the rebuilding process. Big time trades are usually reserved for teams that are a couple of pieces away from competing.

The Rams are widely considered to be a rebuilding team; but after their performance during the first quarter of the season, in might not be a reach to view the Rams as a team that could win the division, especially if they add a couple of key pieces, such as a solid back-up running-back (not that Kenneth Darby has done terrible so far), or more importantly, a primary target for quarterback Sam Bradford, a receiver that can be the deep threat that the Rams are missing.

Mark Clayton has been a major addition so far for the Rams. Clayton was a low-risk/high-reward acquisition. However, Clayton doesn't have the size to force separation; he also doesn't have the height to secure jump-balls, or the sure hands required to rack up receptions. Clayton would be an ideal number two receiver; and if the Rams were to bring in a number one receiver by 2011, then that new receiver, along with Clayton, Donnie Avery, and Danny Amendola, would make a scary set of wide-receivers for the Rams.

Since the need for a top receiver is so clear, and since the Rams are still in the division race, it makes one wonder if the Rams are regretting their decision to pass on Vincent Jackson.

Had the Rams made the trade, Jackson would be suiting up for the game this Sunday, against Detroit. But since Jackson was not traded before a certain deadline, he must serve a three game suspension, on top of a prior three game suspension for violating the leagues' substance abuse policy. 

The second suspension doesn't start until he signs an agreement. Therefor, if the Rams were to make a deal for Jackson, he would be available for them by week 8 against the Carolina Panthers, and after that game, the Rams enter the Bye-week, which would be a perfect opportunity for Jackson to learn the offense. He would then be available for the final stretch of the season, and he just might give the Rams an extra push, putting them on top of the division.

The current interest in Jackson seems to be non-existent, but if there is an interest, then they need to make an offer soon, since the Patriots are currently showing interest. The Patriots' interest, or at least the rumors of their interest, stem from the fact that they lost wide-receiver Randy Moss to a trade with Minnesota. Minnesota payed New England a 2011 3rd round draft pick in exchange for Moss.

Moss would've been another receiver that Rams could use. Moss certainly would've been a solid primary receiver for Bradford; but Moss in 33 years old, and like Jackson, Moss has had his character come into question. Either one of the two receivers would certainly add to the Rams' offense, but both have questionable attitudes.

In 2002, Moss allegedly bumped a traffic control officer with his car, after the officer ordered him to stop his vehicle. This led to his arrest, where the officers found a small amount of marijuana. Ultimately, Moss received only a minor traffic violation for the incident. Then there was the 2004 incident, when he exited the field, against the Washington Redskins, with time still left on the clock. Moss has also admitted to being a occasional marijuana smoker.  

The 27 year old Jackson had the substance abuse violation from the NFL, stemming from a DUI he received in 2009. He also had another encounter with law enforcement for driving with a suspended drivers license. Jackson is one violation away from being suspended for the entire 2010 season.

Rams' head-coach Steve Spagnuolo has been dedicated to building the team with high-character players. General Manager Billy Devaney said that the team would be more willing to look at less-than-desirable characters, once the primary core of team is cemented with high-class guys. It is unknown whether or not the team is at that point yet, but given the Rams current situation, it might not be the worst time to take a risk on a player that could potentially put the team on top.