Which 5 Rams will opposing coaches be most concerned with?

[AvengerRam]

When opposing gameplan the 2009 Rams, who are the top 5 players they will be concerned with stopping. I think the #1 choice might be unanimous, but I'm interested in who you think will be on opposing teams' "don't let him beat us" lists.

Here's mine:

1. Steven Jackson
The obvious choice. If he is allowed to run wild, the Rams will be tough to beat. Opposing DCs will likely have a lot of "8 in the box" formations ready for the Rams.

2. Donnie Avery
With the attention that Jackson will draw, the next guy I'd worry about is Avery. He is a real home run threat, and if he's left one on one, few have the speed to keep up with him.

3. Will Witherspoon
I think that Witherspoon, as a WLB, will become the defense's top impact playmaker. He has flashed skills as a pass rusher, and should excel in that role under Spagnuolo. If opposing teams worry about Little and Long on the ends, RBs and TEs will have to block Witherspoon. I think he will win a lot of those battles.

4. Marc Bulger
Despite his down seasons, Bulger is still a guy you have to gameplan for. If he gets comfortable in the pocket, he can be very dangerous. Sitting back and hoping he makes bad passes without pressure is a bad idea.

5. Leonard Little
If he's healthy, Little is still a guy you have to be concerned about, as he is the best pure pass rusher on the team. Perhaps (and hopefully) Chris Long will assume that role in the future. For now, though, Little is a DL most likely to make a game changing play.

[AtlantaRamFan]

Can't really argue with any of those. I'd give an honorable mention to Ron Bartell as he's emerged as a top CB..

[zingers16]

I would also throw in Otogwe

[majorram]

I would like to add Long, this is going to be his breakout year...the game has slowed down in his mind from last year.. so watch out....

steve

[jbell15]

Jackson
Bartell
Atogwe
Laurinaitis
Avery
Honorable mention to Chris Long, Will witherspoon, and a surprise.........Randy McMichael.
This guy is an iron man until getting hurt last year(80 something straight games).
His first year he was needed as a 6th offensive lineman, last year he was hurt.
The WCO leans heavily on the TE, he can be in for a big year.

[MauiRam]

The guys you listed are the first ones I thought of with the exception of Witherspoon. (Little was the first defensive guy that came to mind) Will definitely belongs on the list. With his speed and athleticism he could make life miserable for opposing QBs in Spags disguised blitz schemes. One other guy I hope makes that list is Randy McMichael. I believe he'll be a clutch receiver for Marc this year if he can stay healthy. He may not be a deep threat like Donnie Avery, but he can be a morale breaker by continually helping to move the chains .. By the way, wasn't it you Av who predicted the Rams would draft Donnie Avery last year?

[AvengerRam]

By the way, wasn't it you Av who predicted the Rams would draft Donnie Avery last year?

Yes it was. Sometimes, even a blind squirrel...

[Ramblin` Ram]

well i was gonna say Brian Leonard...

[Nick_Weasel]

well i was gonna say Brian Leonard...

...but now you're going to say Orien Harris?

[Richbert88]

1. Jackson
2. Long
3. Bartel
4. Avery
5. Witherspoon

In that order.

[C-Mob 71]

I agree with Richbert's list, but instead of Bartel I'd put OJ. The reason for that is Ron is going to shut down your number 1, thats a given, sorry opposing OC, but you're going to have to go to the other side of the field. But opposing teams can not let Juice force the turnover that changes the complexion of the game to the Rams' favor.

[39thebeast]

1. Steven Jackson (Duh!!!!)
2. Chris Long (will lead the team in sacks
3. Will Weatherspoon (excellent blitzer of the edge)
4. Ron Bartell (Pick on the guys opposite him)
5. Randy McMichael (could be our biggest recieving threat)

[RockinRam]

Here is my list.

1) Steven Jackson
2) Marc Bulger (Yes, Marc Bulger)
3) Randy McMichael
4) Chris Long
5) Will Witherspoon


The reason I put down Bulger is because with a fresh start again (new regime, new teammates, new scheme), bigger better o-line, and more targets, he's going to have a big year in this coming season.

He has Alex Barron (a better LT than RT) and a bigger Jacob Bell anchoring his left side, a passionate Jason Smith and youngster Greco and hungry Richie holding up his right side, and a solid interior with Bell, Brown and Cogs/Greco.

Plus, with the addition of fresh faces Brooks Foster and Laurent Robinson, and the return of solid tight end McMichael, and the more experienced Avery and Burton and Stanley, Bulger is going to be one happy guy.

[eldfan]

The obvious choice is correct SJ, thats the only person teams will fear. They will game plan him and take there chances on everyone else.

[schut39]

Jackson
Avery
Bartell
Atogwe
Witherspoon