The St. Louis Rams ended the tortuous waiting period for an elite UC alumnus. For a team that finished 2009 tied for 30th in passing touchdowns Mardy Gilyard was a prudent pick to open the fourth round. After only managing 168 yards per game through the air changes had to be made in St. Louis.

Gilyard's 11 touchdowns receiving in 2009 were just one shy of the entire Ram team. The team leader in receptions was running back Steven Jackson with 51 catches, and only receiver even collected more than 400 yards.

Needless to say Gilyard has a chance to play. Now.

The Rams have fallen a long way from the Greatest Show on Turf with QB Kurt Warner, WR Isaac Bruce, WR Tory Holt, and Az-Zahir Hakim. Fans were packing the house, expectations were high, and dissenters lacked ammunition.

The offense has been an obvious focus in the STL war room this weekend as they proudly selected quarterback Sam Bradford with the #1 overall pick Thursday evening to open the draft. The second round pick of OT Rodger Saffold was a wise attempt to protect the financial investment Bradford is sure to become.

Rams third round pick, former Gilyard opponent USF corner Jerome Murphy, was a temporary departure in the offensive renaissance in the Gateway City.

Football fans in St. Louis do not get behind the run game. Unlike Pittsburgh or Chicago these fans do not embrace smashmouth football. With Bradford and Gilyard the management made a move towards opening up the offense once more.