Now that Al Saunders is on board

**laram0** · #1 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

What are you expecting in 2008 as far as wins and losses go?

#2 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

I have said it once today.. Superbowl Baby. based on our past.. vermeil went 4-12 his 2nd year. 3rd year hired Offensive Guru Martz. Linehan 2nd year 3-13. 3rd year hired offensive Guru Saunders. it will all come together. wait and see.

*rammiser* · #3 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

I defeinately think that with the talent we have if they stay healthy in this system we can make noise. Please draft Adarius Bowman in the 3rd PLEASE.

*Bar-bq* · #4 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

I'm not as optimistic about our chances at this point in time as I was last season. Ask me after the Draft and Free Agency. We already project to be much improved. Whether that projection translates to reality...we'll have to wait and see.

*Javaman* · #5 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

All good!! All good!! With some great players nearing the end of their careers, a great running back in a contract year, an experienced qb, a healthy o-line, there is no reason why not to expect big things on the offense again this year. Same as last year with the defense, if they can improve another couple of spots, I see 10-6 with probable playoffs. Tough schedule is only reason why I don't predict better. All this before draft and free agency. Hoorah!! Damn were good!!!

*majorram* · #6 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

Give us an healthy line, no injuries, play as a team with much to prove and looking at the NFC we could DO anything!!

steve:l

**txramsfan** · #7 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

We are still one doobie away from losing Fakhir Brown for a whole year, Pisa hasn't been able to stay healthy for a whole season for awhile, Chillar is on his way out, Little is coming off a major injury and is getting up there.

Defensively, we are still a major work in progress.

*mde8352gorams* · #8 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

Defensively, we are still a major work in progress.[/quote]

TX,

You are absolutely correct in your appraisal. We are a major work in progress. There are players who will diminish their contributions such as Glover, Chavous and Little due to age, but there are players who will increase their contributions such as Witherspoon, Culberson, Hill, Ryan and Carricker as they mature and the defense gels as a cohesive unit. I truly would like to add Tinoisamoa to this list but his health has been spotty.

If we can add Chris Long in the draft as many of us hope, we will bolster or create a more potent pass rush that can change our defensive outlook. I'm getting a strong sense that Bill Parcells wants a Chris Long type of DE as Jason Taylor is getting older. In that case we're left with Glenn Dorsey and will probably move AC back to DE. Not the worst scenario, what thinks ye?

But this thread was about the addition of Al Saunders to our offensive staff and what impact that will have on our record. IMHO, I think we have resolved glaring need this staff has been missing. A solid veteran coach who understands what it takes to win in the NFL and has done it recently. His style is balanced between run and pass, and I recall from his KC stint he liked to spread the offense and move the ball downfield, when the defense gives it to him. I think Bulger is comfortable with this system, we already know Bruce & Holt have to be ecstatic as they worked with Al when he was the receivers coach. After round 1 I see us drafting an OL and wide receivers to help Al get the offense in high gear. That will help our defense too as we will hopefully be playing from ahead that makes other teams adjust their offense accordingly. This is a great move and we will contend for our division.

On a separate note, I see Linehan having just hired his replacement. He is not the leader Al is and the players will sense it.

Onward and upward! Go Rams!

*RebelYell* · #9 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

Far too early to predict. Let's see what the Rams do in free agency and in the draft.

If the defense can attract or draft an upgrade at the SS position and find a stud at the DE position, things will be significantly improved.

If the offense can stay healthy and find some depth along the offensive line (and maybe a big free agent guard), I'll feel much better. Saunders will instantly make the offense better even with the talent in place.

Oh and I hate the idea of moving Carriker back to DE. Sorry. He can be a great DT but I just don't see him being significantly better than average as a DE. I do agree, Chris Long sure does look attractive right now doesn't he?

**AvengerRam** · #10 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

I look at this as an if ________, then ___________ proposition.

If the Rams can get their key injured players back...

If the Rams can obtain at least one impact free agent...

If the Rams use their first 3 draft choices on players who will contribute as rookies...

If Al Saunders really is given control of the offense...

If the Rams 2nd and 3rd year players continue to progress...

Then, I see no reason why this team can't contend in the NFC next year.

*BM_Face* · #11 (**permalink**) -31-01-2008

Saunders has a talent for matching his team's strength(s) against the opponents weakness(es), and an eye for the critical on-field match-ups that win games. Right now I would say he is worth 5 more wins, which would put us at 8-8. We still have the draft and FA, nevermind ownership issues, so who knows.