Ramdom Thoughts on Governor's Cup

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"Ramdom Thoughts" on the 17-9 victory over KC...

-Quincy Butler promised in warm-ups he was going to impress, and deliver he did--picking off a Tyler Thigpen pass with 2:48 left in the 3rd quarter and returning it 28 yards to give the Rams a 14-9 lead over Kansas City.

A Josh Brown field goal capped off the scoring as the Rams closed out the preseason 3-1 and victors of the Governor's Cup.

-The Butler interception should come as no surprise--the Rams had twelve takeaways in the four exhibition games--scoring on nine of them, for a total of 47 points.

Butler, who's interception was his second in as many games, further solidified his chance of making the final roster. "Q" has made plays through out the preseason--in games and practice, has size to play the physical style of a Spagnuolo defense, and offers some experience in the return game.

The cornerbacks as a unit stood out against KC--Jonathan Wade had sack, Justin King had an interception, and Bradley Fletcher was in on several plays.

The trade of Tye Hill should mean that all four remain on the roster to play alongside Ron Bartell. 

-Also standing out were Victor Adeyanju and CJ Ah You--the pair of defensive linemen each recorded sacks for the second consecutive week. Again, numbers will be tough at this spot--Adeyanju is no question, and Ah You has made the most of every opportunity he's had on the field.

Two injuries will also now affect the d-line decision--as both Adam Carriker (shoulder) and Eric Moore (hand) left the game. Results were not available after the game, but both appear to have some seriousness.

-Toughest decision may be between Brock Berlin and Keith Null at QB. Berlin led an 85-yard, 7:29 touchdown drive and has been strong this preseason. But Null has also shown an ability to direct the team downfield--and is younger, and was drafted by this regime.

Yes, there would be room on the practice squad--but you run the risk of another team signing Null, as players must be cut before being re-signed to the practice squad.

Billy Devanney has been praised for anticipating what other teams will do--gauging the market on Null will be key.

-Donnie Jones is in Pro Bowl form already. Seven punts inside the 20-yard line tonight.

-The Rams defense has to crack down on allowing big plays--four plays resulted in 193 yards for the Chiefs. Positive was the defense then stiffened and only allowed field goals.

-James Butler was not happy that he and several other Rams were written up for uniform violations. The players had their pants rolled up above their knees--a $5000 fine each. Butler was also hit for having wrist bands on his arms. $5000 more.

A couple of his teammates lobbied to Willard Harrell, the former Big Red and now NFL rep, that Butler was a new daddy and needed to keep the extra $$$. No such luck.