Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009

Karney feels right at home with Rams

Fullback says he feels no ill will toward Saints

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams fullback Mike Karney claims that he harbors no grudge against his former team, the New Orleans Saints.

"I've completely moved on from that whole situation," Karney said. "There is nothing in my system at all. That was too long ... eight months ago. It does you no good. It happens all the time. It's the way this business is, and it happens to everybody at some point.

Karney was released by the Saints on March 5, the day before he was married to his longtime girlfriend, Kim.

Karney told New Orleans reporters during a conference call Wednesday that the only thing that bothered him was the timing of his release.

"If you're going to move on, no problem," Karney said. "But they knew I was getting married that Friday, and they decided to do it that Thursday afternoon. I know for a fact they knew. Let me go either the week before that or the week after that.

"They obviously didn't care about that. That was the only thing that got me upset at the time, but I'm happy to be here in St. Louis."

Talking with St. Louis reporters, Karney admitted wanting to play well against his former team this Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome, but he downplayed the whole revenge factor.

"I think it is for anyone who is playing their own team," Karney said of having extra motivation this week. "I played with guys down there in New Orleans who have played for other teams that we've faced. It is the same thing.

"You have a little bit more of an edge, but it's the National Football League. Every week you have to get ready to play because you're going against the best of the best."

Karney said he's had no contact with any of his former teammates with the Saints this week.

"A lot of them are not there anymore," Karney said. "One of the ones I was the closest with, Deuce (McAllister), he's not there. Not too many guys I've talked to. Actually zero I have talked to this week."

Karney wasn't unemployed for long after the Saints him go. He signed a three-year, $3.5 million contract with the Rams that included a $275,000 signing bonus and a first-year roster bonus of $225,000 on March 11.

With Karney leading the way much of the time, Rams running back Steven Jackson has rushed for 784 yards, tying him for third most rushing yards in the NFL.

"We all know what he brings," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said of Karney said. "It's like having a sixth offensive lineman in there. He takes a lot of pride in that, he's a leader that way. I think any ball carrier that runs behind him has a lot of confidence in him. He knows the Saints a little bit because he has been down there so we'll try to get him in there and let him go against his former buddies."

Karney and Jackson, as well as the offensive line, have developed a camaraderie that is starting to pay off in the running game.

Jackson has rushed for 134 and 149 yards in his last two games.

"We watch film together, we eat dinner together," Karney said. "We do a lot of things together. The offensive line, and he and I, were all tied on a string. We're all on the same string and we have to all be on the same page to be successful."

Jackson said Karney was able to give him some tips on the Saints' defense.

"We watch film two-to-three times a week together," Jackson said. "This particular week he was just been telling me how certain guys like to blitz. Some guys like to make moves on you when they're rushing the quarterback. Some guys just like to bull rush you. He gave me those kinds of tips.

"Mike's been good. Not just this week, the whole season."

Jackson said he appreciates everything that Karney does for him.

"He has a tough job that gets overlooked a lot," Jackson said. "I really want him to know that I appreciate all the hard work he has done and continue to do so. Hopefully, we can grow together as pros."

Rams notes

The Rams' game against the Saints is officially a sellout, so it will be televised locally on KTVI Channel 2. Limited tickets still remain for the game, and they can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

* Guard Richie Incognito (foot) was listed as out on the Rams' injury report. Defensive end C.J. Ah You (ankle) is questionable and guard Jacob Bell (thumb) is probable.