[hockeystl]

Martz put his credibility on the line with latest ploy


BY BERNIE MIKLASZ
Post-Dispatch Sports Columnist
11/12/2004

Mike Martz, playing the role of Bear Bryant?

The casting, to say the least, is unusual. But with Martz, we should never be surprised. The NFL's most fascinating and quirky head coach was at it again this week at Rams Park.

Leave it to Martz to conduct a psychology experiment in the middle of a season. This player-friendly coach cracked down on his players, publicly calling them out for their lackluster play. Then he put the boys through a tough, full-contract practice, which went against his previous coaching standards.

It's good to see Martz morph into "Mad Mike" in a different way. We'll see if the motivational ploy works on Sunday against the visiting Seattle Seahawks.

A few observations:

* The Rams' primary problem is a decline in overall talent. The offensive line, neglected in the draft, is mediocre. The defense has only one player, pass-rusher Leonard Little, consistently capable of altering a game with big-play moments. Poor drafts are the root cause of the erosion in personnel. The Rams have missed on too many premium picks. Period.


* If Martz wants a tougher and more physical team, fine. But you're supposed to cultivate that attitude in training camp. It's difficult to transform a team's personality over a few days. The culture must be gradually changed over a period of time.


* Martz has, to an extent, put his credibility on the line as never before. By going off on his players, he's gambling that they'll respond in a positive way. But suppose the psychological tactic fails, and the same old Rams show up on Sunday? He could lose the respect of his players. And then he could lose the team.