Interview with Torry Holt

Thanks to Reebok for getting me on the phone with Torry Holt, who hasn't lost his killer instinct, even after nine seasons in the league: "I'm lining up against defensive backs with the approach that I'm going to win. I'm going to defeat you no matter what."

Holt still has plenty of game. Last year he started 16/16 games for the eighth time in nine seasons, and he ended the year with 93 receptions for nearly 1,200 yards. His seven touchdowns probably matched Baltimore's team output for the entire season.

My zero-evidence-gut-reaction take on the Rams' best wideout is that he's a cool guy. It seems like he has his head screwed on straight, and he spoke in a way that suggested something other than canned answers. So that's cool. But take my opinion for what it's worth: $$$$$ nothing.

Holt and I spoke about Ocho Cinco, Roger Goodell, the evolution of the WR position, and also what both he and the Rams did during the offseason to improve upon the team's 3-13 record last season. At the end of our call, I wished Holt luck, with the caveat that said luck does not apply whenever the Rams play the Ravens, to which he replied, "I'm going to destroy the Ravens."

With Baltimore's secondary in shambles, I'd have to agree; unfortunately, the only way a Ravens/Rams matchup is going to happen this season is if both teams reach the Super Bowl, which seems like a stretch. A big stretch. But crazier things have happened. Like Pacman Jones going 48 hours without making it rain. Or the Knicks finally firing Isiah.

Holt wants to thank fans for their years of support, and he also wants you to visit Dick's Sporting Goods and pick up some new kicks, specifically the Hex Ride Rally, which he says is a "training shoe that is flexible, light and durable." That's my quid-pro-quo plug for today. Enjoy.

Evolution of the WR position
"The wide receiver position is a highly developed spot on the football team. There is more attention, and guys today are bigger, faster and stronger. Some of the bigger guys -- Plaxico Burress, Randy Moss -- are running better routes now than the smaller guys."

Chad Johnson's offseason antics
"I don't have a problem with it. His style is his style. I've done similar things. Not as much as some other guys, but what they do is what they choose to do. If you play at a high level consistently, you can write your own ticket. That's what I believe. Chad, T.O. and Randy... it's up to their discretion what they do."

Life beyond St. Louis
"I plan to play out my two years out in St. Louis. If it doesn't work out with regard to an extension, then I would love to play in my home state of Carolina. But I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."

How he spent the offseason
"After the Pro Bowl, I didn't do anything. I drank some wine. I like Merlot and Chardonnay: Kendall Jackson, Opus One, Sonoma Reserve."


No amount of Chardonnay can erase the memory of last season's 3-13 record

"I also read books: fiction and non-fiction, and also some magazines. Right now I'm reading, "The Inner Game of Tennis." I can't remember the author. Tennis and golf are individual sports, unlike football, which of course is a team sport. I have a lot of respect for those guys because they're able to focus and channel their energies. They compete against themselves. They don't have teammates to keep them focused. Anyway, I got away from football, and I spent time with my family. I refreshed and let my body heal up. At minicamp last week, I was still able to create separation, still able to catch some balls."

Improving the St. Louis Rams
"New offensive coordinator Al Saunders is going to open things up a bit. The first thing Rams fans will notice out of the gate is the speed with which we're playing the game. Also that we're having fun, and of course we need to execute plays. Minicamp was very vibrant, a lot of energy. Lots of attention to detail. Coach Saunders is teaching us how to play the game. It was a very promising minicamp."

Disciplinarian Roger Goodell
"He sent a message in his first year: Straighten your ass up. Do what you're supposed to do. Don't be tired of doing the right thing. Stay within the code no matter who you are. Just stay on the straight and narrow. Don't hurt yourself, your team or the league. What he's doing, the impact that he has had, it's outstanding."

Matt Stover: MVP!

Yesterday I predicted that the Ravens would win today's game 19-3, with four field goals and a touchdown. The final score was 22-3, Baltimore over St. Louis, with five Matt Stover field goals instead of four.

Matt Stover, America's greatest hero. Or at least Baltimore's greatest hero.

The defense played well, burning Rams QB Gus Frerotte for a Baltimore-record five picks: Dwan Edwards, Chris McAlister, Kelly Gregg, Ed Reed and then Eric Martin. I've never even heard of Martin, but I'm pretty sure he used to be in Technotronic.

Pump up the jam, pump it up, why your feet are stompin', and the jam is pumpin'...

Willis McGahee got into the end zone, and he would have gotten in twice had Chris Chester not been flagged for a false start. Even Brian Billick had a good showing. For the first time this season, his play calling didn't make me want to punch the couch.

Baltimore's red-zone struggles continued, but what do you expect? Baltimore is to quality offense what... I don't know. I was trying to think of some funny metaphor or analogy or whatever, but frankly, I want to finish this post and get back to beer.

Nice work, Baltimore. Finally you win a game with some conviction [insert Bengals joke].

Rams-Ravens game preview

Following the Ravens while living on the west coast is always an adventure. It usually involves going to a bar to watch the game, which means 10:00 a.m. drinking.

Tomorrow I'll be watching the game with my buddy Malty, who takes full advantage of NFL Sunday Ticket by setting up four TVs in his living room. I imagine there will still be 10:00 a.m. drinking.

Here is what else I expect:

No-huddle offense: The Rams will be wise to prevent Baltimore's defense from changing defensive personnel too often. It will help limit an already struggling pass rush.

Offensive struggles: Baltimore's offense hasn't been good since, well, ever, and with injuries to its starting QB Marc Bulger and RB Steven Jackson, St. Louis won't fare much better.

Dink and dunk: Steve McNair's age, injuries (back, groin) and Brian Billick's play calling are why the Ravens average only 5.81 yards per pass attempt, which is terrible.

Kyle Boller: If he doesn't start the game, I expect we'll see him before the day is over.

Arrogance: Regardless of who is playing quarterback, I expect more questionable play calling from Brian Billick, whose stubborn desire to field a balanced offense means he'll refuse to give McGahee the ball early and often. This despite the fact that the Rams defend against the run about as well as a high school team.

Ravens victory: The Ravens will move the ball effectively, but the team's red-zone struggles will continue. Four field goals and a touchdown.

Ravens 19, Rams 3.

2007 NFL Draft: St. Louis Rams (1.13)

I thought maybe the Rams would take Brady Quinn to replace the aging Marc Bulger, but the St. Louis Rams must believe what most mock-drafters refused to accept: Brady Quinn is overrated.

Nebraska DE Adam Carriker is the pick. One knock is that he doesn't have huge upside, which to me is a good thing. That means he's talented today. A defensive end who can explode off the line and pressure quarterbacks in the already unfriendly St. Louis dome.