By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/18/2007
It's still four months until the start of training camp, but vacation time is over for the Rams. Preparation for the 2007 season begins in earnest Monday with the start of the team's offseason conditioning program. Although the training sessions are voluntary, most of the Rams who are under contract will attend.
"I attribute our ability to get through training camp relatively healthy due to how we conditioned and trained last year," Rams coach Scott Linehan said. "And I think we want to build on that."
The bedrock of the offseason conditioning program remains weight lifting and running. The basic goals are to get stronger and faster, if possible. Linehan takes more of an old-school approach to weight training.
"I guess more of the traditional type of lifting," he said. "This is a game that requires at every position a certain level of power to go along with speed. So you've got to try to balance the two. Advertisement
"We like to work as a group, lift as a group, make each group competitive. We try to make it a competitive environment in the offseason just like we do during the season, because that just breeds a more healthy training regimen. It helps sell the team concept."
The Rams have 59 players under contract or tendered as restricted free agents. Most are expected at Rams Park on Monday. Some players coming off surgery will be limited in their conditioning. That group includes newly acquired defensive end James Hall (shoulder), wide receiver
Torry Holt (shoulder), center Andy McCollum (knee) and linebacker
Pisa Tinoisamoa (shoulder).
In general, the offseason program consists of four days of workouts each week. That setup gives players three days of recovery time. For those with permanent residences outside of St. Louis — or who just like to travel — it gives them three-day weekends. Players have the option of getting in another workout Friday, which also can be a make-up day if they miss a session earlier in the week.
The Rams had good attendance for the offseason program last spring. Linehan expects a similar turnout this year.
"I'd be surprised if it was any different," Linehan said. "I know our players are very motivated to get back and get started. I'm realistic about the prospects of having everybody here, but I also expect that most everybody's going to be here for the entire program."