Think you know what to expect in 2010?

[AvengerRam]

Consider this:

QB Marc Bulger----A.J. Feeley or Sam Bradford
RB Steven Jackson----Steven Jackson
FB Mike Karney----Mike Karney
WR Donnie Avery----Donnie Avery
WR Laurent Robinson----Laurent Robinson
TE Randy McMichael----Daniel Fells
LOT Alex Barron----Jason Smith
LOG Jacob Bell----Jacob Bell
C Jason Brown----Jason Brown
ROB Richie Incognito----John Greco or Hank Fraley
ROT Jason Smith----Rodger Saffold

DE Leonard Little----Chris Long
DT Clifton Ryan----Clifton Ryan or Fred Robbins
DT Gary Gibson----Fred Robbins or Darrell Scott
DE James Hall----James Hall
WLB Will Witherspoon----Bobby Carpenter
MLB James Laurinaitis----James Laurinatis
SLB Dave Vobora----Na'il Diggs
CB Ron Bartell----Ron Bartell
CB Jonathan Wade----Brad Fletcher or Jerome Murphy
FS O.J. Atogwe----O.J. Atogwe/Craig Dahl or Kevin Payne
SS James Butler----James Butler

In comparing the opening day starting lineup for 2009 to the likely starters in 2010, ten out of twenty-two positions definitely have new starters (in blue) while two others might have new starters (in grey).

The players in bold are no longer with the team.

The players in italics are new to the team.

And these are just the starters. Other players who were not on the team at the start of 2009 who are may contribute this year include Mardy Gilyard, Brandon Gibson, Michael Hoomanawanui, Kevin Dockery and, who knows, maybe some diamond-in-the-rough from the draft. And, of course, its a pretty good bet that the Rams will add another RB to the roster before the season starts.

Will the team be significantly better?

I don't know.

But it is a different team from the one that took the field at the start of 2009.

[BEER]

I have to say your dedicated. Thanks for taking the time to do so. You almost make me change my mind on how many game we are going to win. "with a deep breath" 9 maybe? Maybe teams look past us? It would be cool.

[molar_pistol]

that's a lot of changes, i'm interested to see some of the o-line and d-line competition and how the rotation will end up, same with linebackers. i also think payne might have more of a chance than people think of starting on the strong side, he was very productive with the bears there before they moved him to free safety.

[lordwhttgr]

I have to say your dedicated. Thanks for taking the time to do so. You almost make me change my mind on how many game we are going to win. "with a deep breath" 9 maybe? Maybe teams look past us? It would be cool.

Now your starting to come around to my way of thinking!!!!!!!!

[Bralidore(RAMMODE)]

Yeah Butler isn't a lock, and I would like to see him pushed at SS as Payne can play some ball. I'd rather see him at SS than FS for sure.

Curious to see if Jerome Murphy gets some snaps at FS is Atogwe isn't resigned.

[39thebeast]

Our secondary leaps and bounds better than last years IMO, especialy if OJ comes back. IMO its also the deepest part of our team. I like that especially since the league is more of a passing league.

I think we are going to use our nickel and dime packages alot. We know Laurantis is a beast in the middle we just need one LB to play well next to him and the other guy to be solid probably as a 2 down player. Carpenter I think can be that guy to step up next to Lauranatis. The D-line definately young and talented, but those young guys are going to have to turn that talent to production I think Spags can guide them in that direction.

Definitely more questions on offense. The O-line if healthy looks like they probably won't give up 40+ sacks. We also have much better depth on the interior offensive line. Depth on the outside not as good, so the Rams are counting on there 2 young bookends. At TE and Receiver there are definately young and able candidates its just a matter of stepping up and playing well for Bradford.

[RockinRam]

I wish we could trade for A.J Hawk. I love Ohio State linebackers.



I would prefer Jerome Murphy to play corner, to make a solid trio at our cornerback corps.

Having three good young corners to shut down receivers creates a lot less pressure on our safeties.

[laram0]

that's a lot of changes, i'm interested to see some of the o-line and d-line competition and how the rotation will end up, same with linebackers. i also think payne might have more of a chance than people think of starting on the strong side, he was very productive with the bears there before they moved him to free safety.

After a 1-15 season we should not be surprised by all the changes. I think there are still more changes coming.

[HUbison]

Curious to see if Jerome Murphy gets some snaps at FS is Atogwe isn't resigned.

A corner whose strength is press coverage and run support; and whose weakness of off-man coverage............and put him at FS?

Maybe it's just me, but I don't see that as an intuitive move.

[bruce4life]

The key to this is OJ for sure. He is the cog that keeps that defense in place and is one of the best ballhawks in the league. One more pass rushed is needed as well. I would love to bring back Leonard little or maybe a Charles grant ( I know he's out the first 4 games( who could be had for a song now.