As we all know our opening game for the 2007 season is against the Carolina Panthers at the DOME. We played the Panthers last season on the road. It was our worst game of the season losing 15-0,nothing,zero,zilch,nada!! It was the first and last game that Linehan totally failed in all offensive areas. His play calling was very questionable. Our offensive unit didn't seem motivated. Linehan's game plan deserved an F. I'm not trying to take anything away from the Panthers but come on. Our offense was on the field for a time of possession grand total of 21:17. Amassed a total of 31 yards rushing and 142 passing. 8 total running plays??? Bulger was sacked 7 times! The best field position we had all game was at the Carolina 40 yard line only to have
Torry Holt lose a fumble!
The good news was that our defense only allowed 15 points (2 came on a Bulger sack & safety) somehow. The defense was slashed and gashed by the Panther running game to the tune of 242 yards. 4 different Carolina runners had lengthy runs. D.Williams (31),N.Goings (28), D.Foster (17) and B.Hoover added a 17 yard run.
As a matter of fact the Panthers have beaten us the last 3 times we've played.
2003 Divisional Playoff Game- Panthers 29-23 (at the DOME)
2004 Regular Season Game- Panthers 20-7 at Carolina
2006 Regular Season Game- Panthers 15-0 at Carolina
So do we go into this game skeptical of the outcome? I say NO WAY!
Here comes the DEFENSE:
We opened the 2006 season vs. the Denver Broncos at the DOME. The Broncos were coming in off of a very successful 2005 season. They had a regular season record of 13-3, AFC West Champions. Losing to the eventual Superbowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. All the signs were there for our RAMS, coming off a 6-10 record in 2005 to get off on the wrong foot. We were starting 2006 with a new (ROOKIE) Headcoach and new Defensive Coordinator. Well surprise surprise we rose to the challenge and pulled of a big win, RAMS 18 Broncos 12.
So this season our first challenge is the Carolina Panthers, in our house. The Panthers are coming in after an 8-8 regular season record for 2006. Having beaten our RAMS the last 3 times we've played. I say bring them on. What have the Panthers done to improve over last season? They have Dan Morgan back their starting MLB. Mike Minter is gone, Keyshawn Johnson is gone, Chris Draft is gone, we all know where he is now.
What have our RAMS done to improve over last season? Well let's take a look.
Through the draft, trades and signings have addressed many issues.
D-Line will be much better at defending the run and pressuring the opposing qb.
(Carriker, Hall and a healthy Pisa and the depth that Chris Draft brings us)
Kick return units will also be much improved by bringing in a guy named Dante' Hall.
Kick coverage units are still a work in progress as we've seen in the preseason.
Let's not forget this will be the 2nd season for alot of our defenders under
Jim Haslett.
It's hard to imagine but our Offense actually got better, alot better. We have arguably the best cast of Offensive skill players as a group in the NFL. This team is scary good when we have the ball. Also this is season number 2 under
Scott Linehan.
Our 1st game of the 2007 season is going to come down to the trenches. We were dominated by both the Panther lines last season. Our lines have gotten stronger.
Orlando Pace didn't play in last seasons matchup. Also the O-line has last seasons playing experiences to help them become a unit. With the addition of Hall and Carriker to the D-line we've gotten alot stronger there as well.
I know there are still some skeptics out there among the Clan. I'm not quite sure why?
With the rose colored glasses off and an honest and unbiased opinion I'm predicting at least a 9 win season. The 1st win coming on September 9th at the DOME over the Carolina Panthers.:r
Re: Panthers @ RAMS
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