Ten Questions for the Rams

**RamDez** · -07-28-2005

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
Friday, Jul. 29 2005

1.) What challenges does first-round draft pick Alex Barron
face at right tackle?

Although he played a fair amount of right tackle in college, it mostly was as a
run blocker. Barron did very little pass blocking from the right side, so he
needs a lot of technique work. He also must gain a working knowledge of the
complex Mike Martz system. Until that happens, Blaine Saipaia is the starter.

2.) Can Steven Jackson handle the load as the starting running
back?

Absolutely, provided he stays healthy. Jackson combines speed and power in the
backfield, and is a good pass catcher. He made progress as a blocker as a
rookie last season but still needs work there. The new FieldTurf surface at the
Edward Jones Dome will be more forgiving on his knees.

3.) How much does Marshall Faulk have left?

After 11 seasons in the NFL, Faulk's knees are worse for the wear. He doesn't
seem to have his old burst or elusiveness. But he's still capable of flashing
his vintage form from time to time. The new turf will help him, too. Defenses
must still account for Faulk, and Martz will spend part of his preseason
devising ways to use Jackson and Faulk in the same backfield.

4.) Have the Rams solved their safety problems?

If they don't, it won't be for a lack of candidates. Adam Archuleta and rookie
Jerome Carter enter camp as the starters. But free-agent pickups Michael
Hawthorne and Michael Stone could figure in the mix, as could rookies
Oshiomogho Atogwe and Ron Bartell. Even converted wide receiver Mike Furrey has
a chance to stick, based on his special-teams abilities. The Rams don't need
all of the newcomers to click, just two or three. Archuleta must show he's over
his back problems.

5.) Have the Rams solved their nickel back woes?

Again, it won't be for a lack of candidates if they don't. Hawthorne, Stone and
Bartell all could be used to cover slot receivers. Other possibilities are
free-agent pickups Terry Fair and Corey Ivy, and 2004 roster holdovers Dwight
Anderson, DeJuan Groce and Kevin Garrett.

6.) Is Rex Tucker the answer at left guard?

Yes, provided he stays healthy. Tucker has size and strength. Plus he has
experience from his time with the Bears. Tom Nutten will back up Tucker, and
there's a chance Saipaia could move to left guard if Barron proves ready to
play right tackle.

7.) Do the Rams have enough up front on defense?

After losing starting right ends in back-to-back offseasons via free agency to
Seattle (Grant Wistrom and Bryce Fisher), the Rams need second-year man Anthony
Hargrove to contribute right away - particularly as a pass rusher. Jimmy
Kennedy needs to pick up where he left off at defensive tackle. At linebacker,
Chris Claiborne brings much-needed bulk and run-stuffing ability to the middle,
and Dexter Coakley brings leadership and playmaking ability to the outside.

8.) Can Jamie Martin cut it as the No. 2 quarterback?

Martin will benefit from nearly a full offseason and preseason in the Rams'
system, a luxury he didn't have in previous stints with the club. Martin's arm
strength is average at best. But he is accurate, and most important, he has the
confidence of Martz. Entering camp, Jeff Smoker and intriguing rookie Ryan
Fitzpatrick are competing for the No. 3 job.

9.) Will there be anything special about special teams?

Seeing will be believing. It does appear that several roster candidates -
players such as Ivy, Hawthorne and Stone - will help on coverage units. Groce
and wide receiver Shaun McDonald will compete for the punt return job. A
slimmed-down Arlen Harris will compete with Aveion Cason for the kickoff return
job.

10.) Are the Rams really going with a rookie punter?

It looks that way. Holdover Kevin Stemke was gone less than two weeks after the
team drafted Ball State's Reggie Hodges in the sixth round this spring. The job
is Hodges' to lose - he's the only punter in camp.