Steve Savard's FIELD NOTES

May 2008
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April 2008 Archives


Wake Up NCAA

5:41 PM Wed, Apr 30, 2008 |

The NCAA in its infinte wisdom decides that the flawed BCS system is okay and should remain in place for another six or so years. But, the NCAA rubber stamps the addition of two more bowl games. Now we have 34 bowl games. Yes, 34 bowl games.

I've said it before and I'll say it again--as long as Myles Brand is running the NCAA, necessary reforms will not be made. He's as inneffective a leader as NHL Commish Gary Bettman and MLB Czar B...



Rams Draft Wrap

3:15 PM Sun, Apr 27, 2008 |

I thought it would be Glenn Dorsey's name called yesterday but Chris Long should help the Rams as well. After sitting down with Long for an extended interview (which will air tonight on Sports Sunday), I understand why the Rams brass was so impressed with him. He's articulate, humble and driven. He's exactly the kind of guy St. Louis sports fans love to embrace. Think Grant Wistrom, who was immensely popular here.

To me, the make or ...



Haslett On Long

3:51 PM Sat, Apr 26, 2008 |

Just interviewed defensive coordinator Jim Haslet on my 103.3 and he likes Chris Long's football instincts. Haslett coached Howie Long in the 80's and he sees a lot of similarities between dad and son---at least in technique. Haslett says Long's biggest adjustment will be making the switch to right end in a true 4-3 scheme. Long seems more comfortable on the left side so priority one in the first minicamp will be to get him comfortable at righ...



Yet More Long

3:15 PM Sat, Apr 26, 2008 |

Just finished interviewing Chris Long on my 103.3 and he makes a strong first impression. Less than 45 seconds into the interview he says, "I can't wait to get to St. Louis and get to work." It's that work ethic coupled with his ability that made Long so attractived to Scott Linehan. But, Long says he doesn't really care for the label "high motor guy." He thinks it overlooks a player's athletic abilities.

He says he wants to play ever...



More Long

2:26 PM Sat, Apr 26, 2008 |

After speaking at length to Scott Linehan, it's clear that the intangibles put Chris Long over the top. That's not to say that Glenn Dorsey isn't a quality guy, he is. But, Linehan loves what Long brings to the table---the way he carries himself, the non stop desire on the field and his humility. I think there are some slightly disappointed coaches here at Rams Park who thought Dorsey could be spectacular here. But, they're getting a guy who w...



It's Long

1:41 PM Sat, Apr 26, 2008 |

The Rams took the safe route by picking Chris Long but it may turn out to be the smart pick. The pick gives Jim Haslet plenty of options in rushing the passer. He can line up Long and Leonard Little at end or slide Long inside and let Will Witherspoon rush off the edge. He was dynamic in that role after Little was hurt last season.

The best way to describe Long is like this--he's a bigger, stronger version of Grant Wistrom who played a...



More Rams Draft

1:34 PM Sat, Apr 26, 2008 |

An update at Rams Park...at 1:35pm. Jim Hanifan says the Ravens and Rams talks about swapping first round picks include the name Terell Suggs who is a premiere pass rusher. That would be too good to turn down from the Rams' point of view. But, one minute ago, Sal Palantonio of ESPN reported that the Ravens have turned down the Rams trade demands.

Stay tuned...we're about a half hour away from the Rams' pick.

...



Rams Draft

1:00 PM Sat, Apr 26, 2008 |

We're about an hour away from the start of the draft and rumors are flying about what the Rams will do with the second pick. Early reports today suggested that the Rams will take Chris Long instead of Glenn Dorsey. My radio partner Jim Hanifan isn't buying it yet. We've both been led to believe that the Rams believe Dorsey is a bigger impact player and have had him rated higher the whole time.

If Long is the pick, then clearly the Ram...



Looks Like It's Dorsey

6:49 PM Tue, Apr 22, 2008 |

So much for my wish list. Jake Long is now off the board. Anything can happen in the next five days but I'm 90 percent certain that the Rams will either select Glenn Dorsey or trade down Saturday. The trade down scenario is a stretch but if a team really makes a sweet offer, then it's a possibility. I doubt it will happen.

Dorsey is the guy many at Rams Park had rated highest on the draft board all along. If healthy, he'll be a run st...



Quick Hits

6:34 PM Thu, Apr 17, 2008 |

***My Rams first-day draft wish list: Jake Long in round 1 and the best available wide receiver in round two. Whatever the Rams do they should stay away from anyone with any hint of legal or drug problems. In this day and age, you can't gamble and miss on a guy because of off field issues. There's no excuse to draft anyone with off field problems.

***I'll have two NFL hopefuls on my Sports Sunday this week: Mizzou WR William Franklin...