Rams in Decline? I don't think so.

[AvengerRam]

The Rams are in decline? I don't think so.

Here is the current starting roster, color coded for players who are ON THE RISE, IN THEIR PRIME, and IN DECLINE.

QB Bulger P
RB Jackson P
FB Leonard R
WR Holt D
WR Bennett P
TE McMichael P
OT Pace D
OT Barron R
OG Bell P
OG Setterstrom R
C Incognito R

DE Little D
DT Carriker R
DT Ryan R
DE Long R
LB Culberson R
LB Witherspoon P
LB Tinoisamoa P
CB Hill R
CB Brown P
FS Atogwe R
SS Chavous D

K Brown P
P Jones P
KR Hall D

Its interesting to note that the players in decline are mostly former Pro Bowl players that, though on the downside of their careers, are still very good players.

The Rams have a lot of players who are in their prime but, more importantly, 10 starters are players who are still on the rise. This does not even include non-starters who may one day challenge for starting jobs.

None of this guarantees success, but I see no reason to think that the Rams are in decline. Rather, I am becoming more and more hopeful as the season approaches.

[Chris58]

I want to believe that the Rams hit bottom last season. There's nowhere to go but up and I, like you AV, have a lot of hope that that will happen in 2008.

Overall, your player rankings are right on. I only take exception with Barron (sadly, I say he is a P or D) and Tino (I see him as a D given his recent injury woes).

[AvengerRam]

You may have a point with Barron. He may be as good as he is going to get. I gave him an "R," because I believe that, if he does not improve, he will be replaced by a player (Greco) who is on the rise.

As for Pisa, he's young enough that he should be able to bounce back from his injuries, none of which were career-threatening. Still, I think this year is somewhat of a make-or-break campaign for him. If he can't stay healthy and produce, the Rams will have to find someone who can.

[theodus69]

I don't know about the players but as a team this team has been on the decline since the last SB appearence We need some spark and if this year is anything like last...........it's pretty evident. Goooooodddd I hope not!!!!!!!

[general counsel]

how much can you decline from a three win season?

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[theodus69]

No Wins................?

[MauiRam]

No Wins................?

You beat me to it !!

[quebecramsfan]

And the head coach quote is?

[maineram]

Every year I am hopeful. Saying that, this team has as many question marks as potential.

Can the o-line players that were hurt last year bounce back. Can Bulger, Jackson, Little, Pisa, Hill ?

I wouldn't say decline but I would say a team in transition.

Maineram -

[Mooselini]

This is a very good post Av.

I think that within the next few years (after two more drafts) we'll be the team to be recognized. Yes, by then, we may lose Torry Holt. However, our rookies will have to step up. Jackson will be used to seeing the NFL, and will definately be a great player. Not as good as Marshall, but not many are.

We will be a good team in the next few years.

[btimsah]

So we have a lot of average players in their prime, or on the rise. Well that's great to hear. LOL