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According to Huss" St. Louis Sports Online lead columnist and host of "Sportstalk" on WGNU AM-920 (7:00-8:00 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays) hussonwgnu@aol.com |
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According to Huss" St. Louis Sports Online lead columnist and host of "Sportstalk" on WGNU AM-920 (7:00-8:00 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays) hussonwgnu@aol.com |
Twenty-five years ago, St. Louis' entry in the National Football League was making headlines. The Cardinals won their first four games of the 1974 NFL season. That team defeated Philadelphia, Washington, Cleveland, and San Francisco. It was noteworthy because that team, better known as "The Big Red", was 4-9-1 in each of their previous three seasons and whose owner was not highly regarded around NFL circles.
Twenty-five years ago, there was a President of the United States who was on the verge of impeachment for his actions. Also, there was a St. Louis Baseball Cardinal Player (Lou Brock) who was making national headlines for his specialty (118 stolen bases).
Yet the City of St. Louis and the National Football League were skeptical with those 1974 Cardinals. The skeptics exclaimed that their real test would be when Dallas comes to town. The Cardinals had not beaten the Cowboys in their past six meetings.
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So on October 13,1974, the hated Dallas Cowboys came to Busch Stadium. Behind the passing of former small college and free agent quarterback Jim Hart, and an offense designed by head coach Don Coryell, the Cardinals jumped to an early lead and defeated Dallas 31-28. It kept their unbeaten record alive and turned the heads of the locals and the league.
Fast-forward: one generation. St. Louis' entry in the National Football League surprised local and national football fans with their undefeated start. This is highly irregular for a franchise that has been losing one less game then its previous season, for the past four years and whose owner is not highly regarded around NFL circles.
In 1999, the President of the United States faced impeachment charges. In 1999, there was a St. Louis Cardinal baseball player (Mark Mc Gwire) making national headlines for his specialty (65 home runs).
In 1999, the City of St. Louis and the National Football League were skeptical with these upstart Rams. The skeptics said that the real test would be when San Francisco comes to town. The Rams had not beaten the 49ers in their past seventeen meetings.
So on October 10,1999, the hated San Francisco 49ers came to the Trans World Dome. Behind the passing of former small college and free agent quarterback Kurt Warner, and an offense deigned by a student of Don Coryell, the Rams jumped to an early lead and defeated San Francisco 42-20. It kept their unbeaten record alive and turned the heads of the locals and the league.
I remember seeing this movie before.
But, for you conspiracy fans in the audience, it should also be noted that since Pope John Paul II visited the Trans World Dome in January, the Rams are undefeated: over-taking the defending NFC Champions as well as their hated rivals. Perhaps more divine intervention is on the way as the Reverend Billy Graham comes to the Dome this week.
Regardless of the rhyme or reason, it is a good time to be a member of the St. Louis Rams or a St. Louis Rams fan. And, it has been a long time coming.
The Gateway City's Male Sheep were very impressive this Sunday afternoon. As in their previous three games, the Rams method of operation was the same: strike early, strike often and keep it simple.
At the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard read: St. Louis 21-San Francisco 3. Last year's number three, this year's number one quarterback Kurt Warner threw five touchdown passes, bringing his season total to fourteen. The former Arena League Quarterback completed 20 of 23 passes for a total of 323 yards.
On this Sunday, Wide receiver Isaac Bruce caught four Warner passes for touchdowns; demonstrating his All-Pro skills that have been missing in action for the past two seasons.
While the team by the Bay was losing its composure, the Rams maintained their poise.
Truly, these were not the same old Rams.
With the win, the Rams snapped a long losing streak to the Niners dating back almost a decade. More importantly, it gives St. Louis some legitimacy with their fans. Some of the most faithful PSL holding fans were questioning whether this 3-0 Rams team is a mirage. This victory over San Francisco means it is OK to admit that you are a Rams fan.
From a win/loss standpoint, Sunday game was not vital for the Rams. Had they lost, St. Louis would be 3-1 and tied with the best record in the NFL. But this match-up with the 49ers was more symbolic and emotional for the Rams and followers. This victory, not only matches their 1998 total, but also provides confidence and reassurance for the upcoming games.
The San Francisco game was a major test for St. Louis. The Rams passed.
That 1974 St. Louis Football Cardinal team would eventually win their first six games before losing to Dallas. They finished as champions of the NFC East with a 10-4 record.
Next Sunday is a return match with the Falcons in Dixie. Seven days later, the new Cleveland Browns make their first trip to the Gateway City. Barring a letdown or over-confidence, it is not inconceivable that the Rams could be 6-0 on Halloween morning.
To quote that famed philosopher Lawrence Peter Berra: "Who would have thunk it?"
With all due respect to Mr. Berra, time will tell if 1999 is
"deja vu all over again" for St. Louis Football Fans.