Oates Way Off Base in Assessing Rams

I already had my doubts about Bob Oates’ viewpoint, but after his Dec. 21 article reviewing each NFL team in the playoffs, the verdict can be handed down: Bob Oates has as much business writing a pro football column as does society writer Marylouise Oates.

In his column, Oates claims that, aside from Ron Brown, the Rams lack speed at wide receiver. Using my “Joel Buchsbaum’s Draft Guide ‘88” as a reference, I see that Willie Anderson and Aaron Cox have 40-yard dash times of 4.35 and 4.42 seconds, respectively, and both are considered “home run hitters.” From watching Henry Ellard run wild this year, it’s obvious he’s no Clydesdale, either.

Further, Oates says the Rams may have lost the division title early because Ron Brown was not on the roster. The Rams did well early, going 7-2 (without Brown). They lost the division going 3-4 late (with Brown).

BILL SEIBEL

LaVerne