Feature Article
Let's Get This Party Started!
The WatchDog
Staff Writer
Far be it for me to proclaim myself as a "know it all" of any kind to the general public. I can't tie a textbook square-knot and for some reason can't get myself to care. But what I do know is that tonight when the Saints and the Steelers kick-off the first pre-season game of the year, I'm at a place where there is no turning back. The long cold winter is over and as anyone with half a brain knows, the very reason for mortal life on this earth will once again be thrust into the dopamine cells of every red-blooded football freak alive while sending every football widow back to the church (or wherever it is they go). This is where the real world takes a back-seat and nearly to the point where if Osama himself showed up at the front door in a curly-horned hat and a million-barrel smile, he might actually get a spot in front of the big-screen – if he was willing to run to the Kwik-E-Mart and get the beer that is.
Tis the season baby.
Gone are the gashing memories of last years run defense, at least temporarily, and gone are the recurring nightmares of Josh Brown with hideous fanged-teeth and a size thirty-three right foot. He and the rest of the upstarts and rogues will be shut down or at the very least, made as insignificant as the terms of Anthony Hargroves probation when this years set of St. Louis freaks hits 'em from both sides.
Overly optimistic?
Maybe so, but who could help that watching beasts like Carriker and Clifton Ryan pummel people in camp.
But what about Claude Wroten?
"He's just not getting it."
"The coaches are frustrated."
"He can't seem to do anything right."
"Oh no Watchdog, what's wrong with the Wroten?"
Please ladies.
Have you ever had a puppy that you absolutely could tell was going to be a great dog; a hyper Aussie or an aloof Lab that had so much spirit that he at times seemed utterly unmanageable?
This is Claude Wroten. This is a man who will sack the goal-post if you sprinkle it with teriyaki. He’s a monster. And yes, he will take some patience and love. But after many slaps on the nose by Brian Baker, he will turn out to be a finely honed weapon that will increasingly find his way to the lamesters top ten plays of the week.
Yes there are many stars on the rise this season. Wait till the league and the rest of the doubters get a load of what Dante has left in the tank.
"Oh he's lost a step, it's all down-hill from here."
Rubbish.
This is a 28-year old guy who carries the heart of Godzilla and all the gravitational pull of Al Davis' walker. This is a man who has always had stars in his eyes, but sadly lost his focus under the intense weight of Chiefs desperation. He will show you, me and all the rest what second chances can mean to he who believes.
I believe – do you?
These are just two of the many reasons for the giddy, kid-like, irritating nuisance I have become around my house and job when it comes to that inevitable question that always comes. You know, from those at work or other places who know you are a die-hard Rams fan?
"How are the Rams looking this year?"
Seriously?
I'm sure they all inevitably end up wishing they never asked me that question. But one thing I think we could all agree upon is that throughout the course of this year we can count on breath-taking runs from Steven Jackson and fantastic stats from Marc Bulger. But even more important than that is the magic of a life outside of our own in a world melded together and comprised of our heroes. A place where we can roam from the nostalgia of our greatest early memories, to the recording of possible historic moment's right before our eyes.
Yes sir it's that time again - the most wonderful time of the year for sure.
So tell me...
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!!
GO RAMS !!!
