After going through all the offseason programs, training camp, and exhibition games, St. Louis Rams head coach Scott Linehan decided to cut starting fullback Madison Hedgecock after the season opening game. Hedgecock had been a starter for much of his past two seasons with the team, so he was probably taken by surprise when notified of his release. The Rams then signed Richard Owens to replace him, who played under Linehan with the Minnesota Vikings and in college at Louisville, but he was ineffective, to say the least.

And Hedgecock? Well, he went on to impress the Giants so much with his lead blocking that the team signed him to a five year extension to remain in New York. Which pretty much typifies the difference between a Super Bowl team and one with the second overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Hedgecock had been quiet about his sudden departure from the Rams, at least until recently. In an article by Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Hedgecock went off on Linehan, questioning his choice of personnel and desire to win:

"He got rid of me because I wasn't brought in by him. And anything they say doesn't really matter, because that's the truth ... They could have at least brought in somebody that was good to replace me. They brought in a guy that didn't dress (for games). And he was the coach's buddy. I don't need that stuff. I don't want to play for a buddy. I want to play for somebody that wants to win ... He's pretty boring in my book. I think his players would fall asleep before a game. I can't even be nice about it any more."

Not only did Rams players fall asleep before a game, most fell asleep during it, too. But that's okay, because Linehan will surely replace those players with every ex-Viking and ex-Cardinal he can find. Even if they're not any good.

(Photo: Flickr)