EARTH CITY, Mo. -- It's not scientific and though there are some numbers behind it, you don't need to be into sabermetrics to confirm what the Wall Street Journal concluded earlier this week when compiling its list of the most painful teams to watch in the NFL.
That the St. Louis Rams came in tied for second on that list is probably no surprise. They're 4-8 and on a five-game losing streak. You don't need some complicated formula to tell you how painful it's been to watch the Rams this season or any of the 11 that have preceded it.
Nonetheless, WSJ football columnist Kevin Clark took the time to rank the teams using their rankings in a variety of categories. Those included shortest average pass, fewest big plays, most big plays called back by penalties, most rushes for no gain, most pre-snap penalties, most fair catches, most dropped passes and most failed coaches challenges.
Certainly, all of those categories involve something that's difficult to watch when it involves your favorite team. But the only nit I'd pick with the rankings is that there's no accounting for the thing that can wipe away the pain of those categories: wins.
The Indianapolis Colts were No. 1 on the list, but they are 6-6 and would win the AFC South division if the season ended today. I'm sure those fans have their complaints about the Colts' play, but they can at least deal with it knowing they might be playing in January. Here in St. Louis or in places like Cleveland and Tennessee, the combination of those types of miscues and ever-increasing losses makes watching those teams far more painful than watching the Colts.
And that doesn't even factor in the consistent losing they've done over the past decade or so.
I.C.Y.M.I.
A roundup of Thursday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... We began the morning with Case Keenum's recollection of his concussion. ... The Ram-blings started the day with a look at Eric Grubman's comments on the St. Louis stadium project. ... The Rams defense is floundering but it's not really their fault. ... St. Louis' Board of Aldermen's Ways & Means Committee passed the city financing to the full board. ... We wrapped it up with a look at Thursday's injury report.
Elsewhere:
Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen's weekly six pack of tidbits from around the league.
Lions reporter Michael Rothstein has defensive tackle Nick Fairley's thoughts on playing his former team.
Falcons reporter Vaughn McClure has running back Devonta Freeman's thoughts on Rams receiver Stedman Bailey's shooting.
Mike Sando breaks down the Rams-Lions matchup.
At 101sports.com, a great breakdown from Bernie Miklasz on his interview with Eric Grubman.
At stltoday.com, Ben Frederickson writes that Keenum's concussion comments show the importance of getting the procedure right.
Jim Thomas writes that Rob Boras is diving into his new coordinator duties.