Rookie Coach Moves to Retool Rams' Defense

**RamWraith** · #1 (**permalink**) -10-06-2006

Offseason Roundup: St. Louis Rams

By Mark Maske
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 9, 2006; 10:51 AM

The St. Louis Rams were one of two teams in the league this offseason to fire a coach who had gone to the playoffs four times in six seasons. And like the Green Bay Packers, who dismissed Mike Sherman and hired San Francisco ***** offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy, the Rams didn't seem to have a clear idea what they were looking for in a successor and made a curious choice, replacing the ousted Mike Martz with Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan.

Martz was fired on the heels of a season in which he took a leave of absence because of a bacterial infection in his heart and gave way to interim coach Joe Vitt. Martz hadn't been able to peacefully coexist with the team's front office, and the Rams' 6-10 season gave the club's management cause to dismiss him. The Rams began their search apparently looking for a defensive-minded coach to replace the offensive-oriented Martz, but ended up going with a former offensive coordinator in Linehan. Linehan is a rookie head coach who will have an experienced head coach, Jim Haslett, as his defensive coordinator. The Rams hired Haslett after he was fired by the New Orleans Saints.

Most of the Rams' biggest player moves were made to bolster Haslett's defense, not Linehan's offense. They signed defensive tackle La'Roi Glover, who formerly played for Haslett in New Orleans, to a three-year, $12 million contract, including a $3.5 million signing bonus, after he was released by the Dallas Cowboys. The Rams' most expensive move was signing linebacker Will Witherspoon, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, to a six-year, $33 million deal that included $15 million in guaranteed money. Witherspoon wasn't a game-changing player in Carolina, but the Rams are paying him like he'll be one for them.

The Rams also went defense first in the draft, using the 15th overall pick on Clemson cornerback Tye Hill. He's a smaller cornerback, but has the speed to excel in coverage. The Rams had three selections in the third round and took a big risk with one of them, choosing LSU defensive tackle Claude Wroten. He's a big, talented player. But he was arrested in January for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. A prosecutor declined to pursue charges, but Wroten reportedly failed a drug test at the NFL scouting combine.

The Rams also picked up defensive tackle Jason Fisk, linebacker Raonall Smith and cornerback Fakhir Brown in free agency. The defense needed to be fortified because it suffered some free-agent losses with the departures of safety Adam Archuleta and tackles Damione Lewis and Ryan Pickett.

The changes on offense were less drastic. Wide receiver Isaac Bruce was released but quickly re-signed. Veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte, who was with Linehan in previous stops in Minnesota and Miami, was signed to back up Rams starter Marc Bulger after being released by the Dolphins. Frerotte replaces Jamie Martin, who departed as a free agent. The Rams traded tight end Brandon Manumaleuna after selecting two tight ends, Colorado's Joe Klopfenstein and USC's Dominique Byrd, in the first three rounds of the draft.

Martz is gone, and his "Greatest Show On Turf" offensive approach should exit with him. The Rams still have a dangerous group of wide receivers led by Torry Holt. But third-year tailback Steven Jackson is more than ready to take over as the offensive centerpiece, and Linehan would be smart to hand the ball to Jackson as often as possible. The problem is, there were several glaring instances last season in Miami when Linehan seemed to forget that he had tailbacks Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams on the roster and put games into the hands of the overmatched Frerotte. These Rams probably aren't a threat to challenge the Seattle Seahawks for NFC West supremacy, but they perhaps could get back to .500 if Linehan gives Jackson an opportunity to be the club's best offensive player.

*UtterBlitz* · #2 (**permalink**) -10-06-2006

Quote:

The problem is, there were several glaring instances last season in Miami when Linehan seemed to forget that he had tailbacks Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams on the roster and put games into the hands of the overmatched Frerotte.

I am worried that Linehan will stick to his old ways and he will focus on the passing game while ignoring the running game. I also have to wonder if he favors Frerotte over Bulger since Linehan has played with Frerotte in the past.

**RamDez** · #3 (**permalink**) -10-06-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtterBlitz

I am worried that Linehan will stick to his old ways and he will focus on the passing game while ignoring the running game. I also have to wonder if he favors Frerotte over Bulger since Linehan has played with Frerotte in the past.

if he is any sort of coach he will stick with Bulger, he is by far the better QB of the 2

**RamWraith** · #4 (**permalink**) -10-06-2006

I do not believe that Bulger is ANY jeopardy of losing his job to Gus. I am sure Gus was brought to St. Louis to be a veteran back-up and that is it! You have to remember, Linehan was one of the pieces in Minnesota that let Gus go.

And Linehan is not Martz. He will run the ball a lot more than the old regime ever did. Linehan has proven that over the years. I think you all will find linehan is much more balanced but likes to go long. You will see a lot less of the short passes to a the backs and more to the tight-ends. Bulger will receive protection from the backs on passing plays and the tight-end will be running routes. Many times things will be done (pass and run) to set up the long ball, 40 yard posts and deep flies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtterBlitz

I am worried that Linehan will stick to his old ways and he will focus on the passing game while ignoring the running game. I also have to wonder if he favors Frerotte over Bulger since Linehan has played with Frerotte in the past.

*Goldenfleece* · #5 (**permalink**) -10-06-2006

I wouldn't worry too much. Miami was 12th in the league in rushing yards and attempts, and 16th in passing yards and passing attempts. Miami passed 55.50% of the time compared to last year's Rams team passed 61.28%. So I anticipate somewhat better balance. I'd imagine those games where Linehan "forgot" about his rushers were the games in which his team was trailing by a lot in the second half.

Frerotte didn't exactly light the world on fire last year in Miami either, so I'd be really surprised to see him go in even if Bulger struggled. Linehan is no fool. He used Frerotte in Miami because he didn't have a lot of other options when he arrived. Weren't they using Fiedler and Feeley the year before?

*theodus69* · #6 (**permalink**) -10-06-2006

Well I do feel that Gus can come in take control in the event Bulger goes down. Which has become a yearly thing.(almost) Gus will be a great back-up, Probably the best we have ever had, that is going into the season knowing what he can do. Warner was a fluke really! Who even knew who he was?:clanram:

*UtterBlitz* · #7 (**permalink**) -10-06-2006

I believe that Bulger is the better of the two QBs, and I hope Linehan sees it that way as well.

I remember Gus when he was with the skins and he was good. He must have mutured since then and is over his head butting days.....all though that may be an indication that he was meant to be a Ram.

It seems that many of you think that Linehan will make the right decisions come game time and I hope you are correct. We need balanced play calling and we need to keep the QBs protected. It would be nice to see Bulger stay healthy this year.

*MauiRam* · #8 (**permalink**) -10-06-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtterBlitz

I believe that Bulger is the better of the two QBs, and I hope Linehan sees it that way as well.

I remember Gus when he was with the skins and he was good. He must have mutured since then and is over his head butting days.....all though that may be an indication that he was meant to be a Ram.

It seems that many of you think that Linehan will make the right decisions come game time and I hope you are correct. We need balanced play calling and we need to keep the QBs protected. It would be nice to see Bulger stay healthy this year.

Linehan was hired ostensibly among other qualities because he is considered to be extremely bright. I believe he brought in Ferotte to help implement his offensive scheme, and also as an upgrade over anything the Rams had in the way of a backup QB. I for one will feel much more comfortable with Gus backing up Bulger than with Jamie Martin. Linehan knows he is being counted on to make intelligent decisions whether it be new personnel or game management. I believe he will base his offense on what he believes to be his players strengths, as opposed to stubbornly trying to ram a particular scheme down opponents throats regardless of what they may be doing to counter it...

*Varg6* · #9 (**permalink**) -10-06-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamDez

if he is any sort of coach he will stick with Bulger, he is by far the better QB of the 2

I totally agree, Bulger is an elite QB, yet underrated by a lot of people. With that being said, I can understand why, because he's not in that many games, he must stay healthy this year. But overall, he's just a dominant QB when he plays 16+ games.

Now, with Linehan...I really want Jackson to get more carries this year. I know its hard to resist throwing to our elite WRs, but I think our offense should try to make more of an impact with Steven's running. Many people think that this is his breakout year, and sure it can be...If he gets a good amount of carries. I think Linehan is a smart guy and all, but I still worry about things like this.

*bigredman* · #10 (**permalink**) -10-06-2006

Hey man...mellow out dudes and dudettes! Linehan is versatile. In Minnesota, he had Moss who could run under anything thrown down field, and he didn't have any dominant running back, so he threw long a lot. In Miami, he got Ricky Williams and that new rookie kid (can't remember his name right now) that was tearing things up, so he ran more. He'll do what our offense shows to be their strength. I believe Linehan is more interested in WINNING than prove to anyone that his scheme overrules all other considerations like the dear departed was (I didn't mention any names!)

I feel it was smart that Gus was brought in to help the offense learn the terminology and tendencies of Linehans new offense, and that we brought in ex-saint defenders who can help the other players learn Hasletts defense. Not to mention, they are decent players in their own right as well.

From the comments (which I'm sure are politically correct and measured), the players seem pleased and excited about the changes and the direction the team is taking. We shall see. Are you as excited as I am?

*theodus69* · #11 (**permalink**) -11-06-2006

I'm so ready to see what the young coach can pull off. We need a staple coach. Someone like the Steelers coach. One who will make us tough all around and keep us in contention all the time! I'm damn excited about this year! I want to see the potential in every player brought out! Go Rams....Make us proud!