It might not — yet — have the online fanaticism and cachet of baseball, but the NFL and its fans are starting to catch up in the world of team-devoted blogs. To this end, Deadspin salutes these modem-addled souls and proudly presents Blogdom's Best, given to the most outstanding blog for each NFL team. There are fewer than there are for baseball, but they're out there, if you look. If you would like to nominate a blog (yours, even) for selection, just let us know at tips@deadspin.com. Today: The St. Louis Rams.
Outsiders think of the Rams as strangely out of place in St. Louis — somehow, the franchise will always be associated with Los Angeles or Cleveland, the sites of their greatest achievements. But in reality, the Rams have come full circle, as students of history will tell you. The franchise was born in 1937 in Cleveland and placed in the Western Division of the American Football League to replace a team called the St. Louis Gunners. Of course the Rams then wandered to Los Angeles, then to Anaheim, and finally, to St. Louis. So the ghosts of Gunners players past may now rest in peace — pro football is back.
After brief glory with Dick Vermiel, the Rams are again in flux. Head coach Mike Martz, about as warm and cuddly as a barrel of toxic waste, never really captured the hearts and minds of the populace. Now he's ensconsed in the hospital, leaving the team in the hands of, um, who is it again? Dick Vitale? Not sure. There is no doubt as to the devotion of Rams fans, however. OK, some have jumped ship. (Ramstailgating.com). But most are still in there swinging, even quoting scripture. (Rams USA). Here are three of the best blogs in Ramdom:
3. Rams Football. Daily posts, great Rams news site with both original and commercial content.
2. Ramblings. Sample headlines from earlier this month: "Pathetic Rams Season Done," "Rams in Disarray" and "More Proof Anything and Evertything Rams in Garbage." Yet, they keep plugging, every day. That's devotion.
1. Planet Rams. News, opinion (check out The Watchdog feature — wild) and a weekly newsletter. Who could ask for more?
(Friday: Indianapolis Colts)