On the field, Richie Incognito is pretty much a nutcase. Last year I made a quip that the only thing that Incognito racks up faster than tribal arm tattoos are unsportsmanlike conduct flags. True to form, he nearly cost the Rams the game by jabbering at the officials just seconds before Josh Brown was prepared to take the field to attempt the game-winning field goal.
Right on cue, the ref that Richie was screaming at dropped a yellow flag and suddenly a chip shot field goal was a 50-yarder. The Rams scored their first win of the 2008 season in spite of Incognito's antics.
So what the hell exactly is going through his head on the field? Apparently we weren't the only ones to inquire about the things that take place in Mr. Incognito's dome. Earlier this year, the Sporting News had a Q&A with the Rams O-lineman and, even though I'm not a trained pyschologist, I think they give some significant insight into the mind of the man whose name is synonomous with "unsportsmanlike conduct":
"In my iPod: Five Finger Death Punch..."
What we learned: Honestly, we have no clue what they sing, but any band named Five Finger Death Punch would seem to be perfect for a guy like Richie. He might not even listen to the music, rather just stare at the words "five finger death punch" and dream of applying one to the line judge who mouthed off to him.
"What I'm reading: Trying to finish up the Bible"
What we learned: He has good intentions, but "finishing up the Bible" is a tall task considering he's only on page two.
"Favorite Values in Others: Sense of humor. I can't stand dry or boring people."
What we learned: If you're dry or boring, he wants to kill you. In a related note, he thinks most NFL officials are dry and boring.
"Attribute I like about myself: I have been told I have nice legs. I like my traps and arms."
What we learned: Time that would otherwise be spent watching film and mentally preparing for the game is used to gaze at himself in the mirror.
"And least: I love every inch of myself"
What we learned: We'd rather not go into what we think this means.
"My Greatest Love: Competing. I want to win in everything I do...I will use every fiber in my body to win."
What we learned: Dude loves winning no matter what the sport. One thing he's not winning? The contest amongst offensive linemen for most penalties. It just eats him up that Alex Barron has been one of the most penalized lineman in the NFL since he entered the league in 2005. His goal this season was to make the committment to catching Barron and doing it his way. Barron like false starts, Incognito likes unsportsmanlike conducts - more bang for his buck.
"My Hero: I don't have one hero. I admire many people and try to take their strengths and turn them into my own and learn from their mistakes and weaknesses."
What we learned: The people he admires are the people from whom he learns. For example, Incognito intently studies the 1998 Kansas City Chiefs. Why? Because they were the most penalized team in the history of the NFL with 158 on the season. He can't help but to think that if he and Barron really focus their efforts, they can beat that by themselves.
"My motto: Respect all. Fear none."
What we learned: He really means "respect all... unless they wear black and white stripes, then it's cool to bitch them out."
Right on cue, the ref that Richie was screaming at dropped a yellow flag and suddenly a chip shot field goal was a 50-yarder. The Rams scored their first win of the 2008 season in spite of Incognito's antics. 
