RAMS' JACKSON OPTIMISTIC HE'LL FACE JETS BUT COACH HAS TO SEE HIM PRACTICE Rams RB Steven Jackson says he's 'very optimistic' he'll face the Jets on Sunday, but coach Jim Haslett says he has to practice full speed on Friday. Posted: 5:47 pm November 6, 2008 ST. LOUIS - Rams running back Steven Jackson is optimistic he'll be able to play Sunday against the JetsNew York Jets , but his coach needs to see evidence why. Jackson did not practice today for the second straight day. He'll try to give it a go on Friday as St. Louis (2-6) tries to snap a two-game losing streak. "I am optimistic, very optimistic," Jackson said. "I'm hoping maybe even Saturday if I can during the walkthrough, have my own personal practice and see if I am able to burst." But interim coach Jim Haslett says if Jackson can't practice on Friday, he won't play Sunday. "We have to see full speed, hit the hole, running through the hole like he is 100 percent," Haslett said. Jackson hurt his thigh in the Rams' 34-14 win over Dallas on Oct. 19. He missed the next game at New England and was ineffective, with 17 yards on seven carries, in a 34-13 loss to Arizona last weekend. Jackson wasn't sure he'd be able to show what Haslett hopes to see by Friday. "You know, a full practice, probably not to be honest with you," Jackson said. "I'm surely hoping I come in tomorrow and something miraculous happens tonight and I can give a full practice like he's wanting." An MRI exam Monday showed inflammation remains in the injured area. But Jackson said it feels better. "With a hamstring, quad or groin, those kinds of injuries, one day you feel great and the next day, the slightest movement or tweak can set you back," Jackson said. "That's just what I'm dealing with." Haslett said the Rams will use Kenneth Darby and Samkon Gado if Jackson is unable to play. Antonio Pittman (hamstring) and Travis Minor (concussion) are questionable. "I think they're doing well," Haslett said of Darby and Gadko. "We'll see in a game. They work hard. They're both smart guys. They run hard. I'm excited watching them work this week." Darby was signed off the Falcons' practice squad Oct. 15 and likely will be the starter against the Jets. Gado, who was out of football before he was signed Tuesday, would be the backup and play on special teams. Jackson said he's eager to help his replacements. "The offense is really complicated. I'll do my best to help them. With a running back, once he knows where he's going, it's pretty much his own ability. I think they've done a pretty good job the last two days." Quarterback Marc Bulger agreed. "Whoever goes this week, we think we have capable guys," Bulger said. "We might have to simplify the game plan a little, but I think they are definitely capable." __________________
He's not going to play, which will make the Rams one dimensional. The Jets could sit in a Nickel Package all day and win this game. Stopping Bulger and pressuring him all day can make this a blowout. They can't stop the run, and they have one CB that needs to be monitored in Otogwe. The only way this game is lost is if the turnover ratio is a -4 for the Jets. I think Favre doesn't throw a Pick 6 in this game. If he throws a garbage time INT, i'm not going to be upset. Then again, I'm not upset when he throws a pick - because if anything he's going to make up for it.
I think we need to run on our first 15 plays regardless of the outcome of any individual play and see where it gets us.
I wonder how optimistic he is about getting folded in have like a popsicle stick when Jenkzilla stomps him like Bambi.
thats right he is... good pickup on that. In that case if there is single coverage, I bet Favre will be going to that receiver.
Mark my words, favre will throw a pick 6 to O.J Atogwe. But....it will be early(probably 1st or 2nd quarter) and this won't matter because he will throw for 3 tds this game and we will be blowing out the rams....hopefully
Oh yes it will matter. A lot. Jackson (a healthy Jackson) is the real deal. Sometimes you can fight fire with fire, we'll see it the Rams are able to.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports, "Barring a sudden and highly unexpected change in Jim Haslett's original stance, count RB Steven Jackson out for Sunday's game against the New York JetsNew York Jets ." Jackson (injured thigh) did not practice with the Rams today. Haslett's policy is that a player must practice fully at least once during the week in order to play in Sunday's game.
Jackson is out and Darby is starting. Not that it matters, neither would have had a good game. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/11/07/darby.ap/index.html
