Bernard stumbles, Jackson prospers in St. Louis

We'll start with the bad news first.

In what has turned into an unfortunate chain of events, Yvenson Bernard failed his physical exam with the St. Louis Rams. Whether this brings an end to his chances for a NFL or not, we don't know, but it's definitely a step backwards.

On the other hand, another former Beaver, Steven Jackson, is prospering in St. Louis.

After promising a 2,500 yard season and delivering 1,002 in a season plagued with injury, Jackson hopes to be one of the top backs in the country this year.

The Rams have added a new offensive coordinator, Al Saunders. And Saunders plans to run the offense through Steven:

via assets.espn.go.com

"The real good backs that I've been around -- Chuck Muncie, Marcus Allen, Marshall Faulk, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson -- have all been three-dimensional backs," Saunders said. "Steven is in that class. He is a unique player."

Saunders sees in Jackson an authoritative and powerful runner with outstanding speed, excellent hands and good blocking skills. He also sees an improving route runner, an asset not always associated with 230-pound running backs.

"When you get somebody of his stature and his physical makeup, with his speed and his ability to run, catch and block, you are only limited by your own imagination in terms of what you can do with a player like that," Saunders said.

The last time Saunders was with the Rams, in 2000, the team scored 540 points. Faulk was the NFL's most dynamic offensive threat, scoring 26 touchdowns.

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GO BEAVERS!

--JB--