Rams personify ‘false-hope’ phenomenon

By Steve Reynolds  |   Monday, November 27, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

St. Louis Rams
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Don't stick that fork in them just yet.

The Rams -- ever the team that loves to tantalize its fans with a penchant for unrealized potential -- have done it again. However, this time it's not the old standby of, "if the defense were simply average, the team could ride the talented offense into the playoffs." No, this notion has been replaced with, "the NFC is so bad, the Rams still have a shot at the playoffs."

The Rams epitomize the type of team that gives their fans, what, by this writer, had long ago trademarked as the phenomenon of "false hope" (hey, if announcers can make up words like "escapeability," I can add a few of my own to the NFL canon).

False hope is a disease that is as persistent as it is insidious. It makes otherwise knowledgeable fans think their team has a shot at the playoffs, when, in reality, they haven't a prayer; or, that their favorite player is ready to "break out" when, in actuality, they really stink. Fans' love and bias for a player or team can cause their brain to short circuit and allow the false-hope infection to fester.

No one is immune to the specter of false hope. It can afflict everyone from coaches to announcers. We've all borne witness to that certain announcer who nearly wets himself in excitement every time a given player touches the ball, or that coach who continues to start a player when the entire country realizes it's time to make a change.

The following are a few warning signs that one may be afflicted by false hope:

When one utters, "We're just a player or two away from contending," in reference to a team like the Cardinals or Texans.

You believe that Shawne Merriman may really have been duped by the Evil League of Supplement Super Villains.

You're a fan of the Buffalo Bills (warning: condition may be terminal).

A coach who feels he'll be the one who will finally be able to keep Terrell Owens from referring to teammates as "gay," in between naps in the locker room.

When one believes that Eli Manning can be as good as his brother, or even his father.

You're unaware your Raider Nation bumper sticker makes you a target for the cops.

A fan mentions, "We're not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs."

Any time someone utters the phrase, "Michael Vick may have finally turned the corner."

* * *

This being said, the Rams still have a shot at the playoffs.

OK, so writers aren't immune either. However, the Rams pulled out a gutsy victory against a decent 49ers squad on Sunday. Sure, they still have the worst run defense in the league (Frank Gore carved them up like Thanksgiving turkey) and the defensive line couldn't sack groceries, but the Rams have a chance, ever so slight, at reaching the playoffs as a wild card.

On a brighter note, Steven Jackson looks poised to terrorize the league with his rushing and pass-catching skills. Jackson had 121 yards rushing behind a patchwork offensive line and added 71 more receiving. At this rate, defenses are going to be forced to game plan for Jackson first, and subsequently be left at the mercy of Marc Bulger and Co. In a weak conference, St. Louis leaves some small hope for the remainder of the season, but tremendous hope for the future.

So, at 5-6, the Rams aren't dead yet, they're just on life support.

False hope springs eternal.
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