Yesterday’s poll, asking whether I should stick to my guns and go down fighting for the Ndamukong Suh pick or go with the increasingly strong momentum toward Sam Bradford, has generated mixed results: equal votes both ways. But more telling than the vote cast, to me, was the relative lack of response, even for a lil’ RamsHerd poll.
I get the feeling that many Rams fans, regardless of how they feel on the issue, recognize that there’s not much more juice to be squeezed out of the debate. In a very real sense, the debate is over, so why ask the question?
But for all the Rams fans like me who had visions of Suh, Clausen, or even a trade down, there’s a difference between knowing and accepting. In a sense, our herd of Rams fans is moving through the five stages of grief, as they try let go of (or in some cases, hold onto more tightly) their pre-draft pick.
Here’s a quick sampling of recent tweets, coupled with some psychoanalysis from the Kubler-Ross model of acceptance, that shows us just how ready people are right now.
Stage 1: Denial
nickg105 NO NO NO NO NO! RT @RamsHerd RT @miklasz: @RamsHerd Bradford will be the pick provided there are no red flags on March 29.“Denial is usually only a temporary defense for the individual. This feeling is generally replaced with heightened awareness of situations and individuals that will be left behind after death.”
Stage 2: Anger
Sgt_Hulka WTF???? Looking more like the #StlRams are going to opt for Bradford over Hsu with the 1st pick – this was supposed to be screw-up proof! :[
ramsnfla Rams Would Be Crazy to Draft Sam Bradford With Top Pick | NFL Spin Zone (via @NFLSpinZone) http://bit.ly/9gNStn
ShakedownBaker @mrmunoz The rams are crazy is they think that “Made of Glass” Bradford will do good. Awesome OU line and he got hit once and was out all yr
Christian1911 @MisterTubbs @mrpittman @tc314 @kidnoble @diggame Two words for the Rams regarding Bradford 1) Jason 2) WhiteTo be honest, this is where a lot of Rams fans are happy to stay. 6 wins in 3 years leaves a lot of raw nerves, and there’s a catharsis in finding fault with the Rams. If that means sticking with your own pick after the choice has been made, and waiting for Bradford to bust so you can say “I told you so,” then so be it.
It is possible for Bradford to perform well enough over time to win over this anger, but it will take a jolt of immediate, obvious improvement, and an extended playoff run. For a quarterback taken #1, those are the stakes. If you can’t deliver, you shouldn’t have been picked, and this anger will be more than justified.
“Once in the second stage, the individual recognizes that denial cannot continue. Because of anger, the person is very difficult to care for due to misplaced feelings of rage and envy. Any individual that symbolizes life or energy is subject to projected resentment and jealousy.”
Stage 3: Bargaining/Rationalization
1mrcubguy STL Rams should trade for qb Tyler Thigpen and draft Suh 1st. bradford too riskyNot really the kind of bargaining that Kubler-Ross talks about, and I’m pretty sure there’s a whole ‘nother five stages of crazy if you want to see Thigpen in a Rams uni. But most fans in the Bradford camp are already hedging based on a bargain of sorts: “I’ll support Bradford, depending on how he does at his workout.” This caveat allows them to buy time to support a second choice.
mrphilosopher3 @RamsHerd take Bradford (assuming hes healthy). I’d prefer Suh but if Bradford’s as good as advertised, we need the move.Hell, the recent comments by Devaney himself could be characterized in this stage, if you take them at face value:
— Bernie Miklasz: “Two healthy relationships: Rams-Bradford, Khan-Kroenke“
“The third stage involves the hope that the individual can somehow postpone or delay death. Usually, the negotiation for an extended life is made with a higher power in exchange for a reformed lifestyle. Psychologically, the individual is saying, ‘I understand I will die, but if I could just have more time…’ “
Stage 4: Numbness/Depression
ScottAHReed Just got a cold chill down my spine as it seems like the #STL #Rams are looking to draft Sam Bradford. #NFLOut of any of these stages, this one fits where I am right now. I’m a short step from acceptance, but I can’t really come to grips with trying to tout Bradford as the right choice. I recognize that the Rams need a quarterback of the future, and that my plan (trading for Kevin Kolb) just doesn’t seem likely. I am partially heartened by a general consensus among draftniks that says Bradford will at least be competent as an NFL starter.
I still don’t like the pick. But that doesn’t mean I can’t come around and like the player, once he’s wearing the golden horns.
Daniel_Doelling @RamsHerd Id accept the #stlrams drafting Bradford. I cud list many reasons why to not draft him, but I cud also list as many ways y we shud Daniel_Doelling @RamsHerd suh would sure up the Def, solidify and prove why Spags is a DEF genius, and save his job for the future that way. But…idk“During the fourth stage, the dying person begins to understand the certainty of death. Because of this, the individual may become silent, refuse visitors and spend much of the time crying and grieving. This process allows the dying person to disconnect oneself from things of love and affection. It is not recommended to attempt to cheer up an individual who is in this stage. It is an important time for grieving that must be processed.”
princessoohlala RT @OWtlandish Looks like the Rams are making moves to draft S.Bradford…*SAD face* <LOL awwwww… :-Stage 5: Acceptance
acowden1 seems like im the only one who thinks so, but im glad the rams are leaning towards sam bradford.
RamsGab @RamsHerd I’m in acceptance, no doubt. I’m looking at the glass half full, drive yourself crazy any other way.Life is certainly sunnier on this side of the street. Hopefully I’ll get there someday soon.
But for the time being, it’s enough for me to swallow my pride and say: “With the first pick in the FanBall Mock Draft (Remix), RamsHerd selects QB – Sam Bradford (Oklahoma)“
