The St. Louis Rams hit rock bottom at the close of the 2007-08 season, leaving many wondering what it might take for them to rise again.
Coach Linehan admits that last season was a horrible situation (with injuries) for this NFL team. Injuries are part of the game in the NFL. The Rams were the not so fortunate team and ended in a last place finish in the NFC West.
Coach Linehan has stated that changes is the motto for the upcoming season. Having posted a 3-13 record, the Rams must rebound quickly. The changes hopefully will bring the crowds back to the Dome. So in 2008-09 Training Camp starts with changes, a new training site ( Mequon,Wisconsin) and no media distractions like at the Rams Park facility.
The passing of owner Georgia Frontiere and the incoming new owner in son Chip Rosenbloom taking the helm, brings the Rams new changes. The recruiting of Bill Devaney and Al Saunders is a key start. Devaney has already proven his worth with the overall draft going very well. Al Saunders gets another shot at creating another offensive show in the Gateway City. Devaney has also taken a load off the front office duties and has shown he can acquire key players to improve the team. And Al Saunders from the Vermeil and Martz show, should improve scoring and offensive schemes.
Even if it isn't the turnaround season that almost everyone is expecting. The Rams have made necessary changes to improve now. A 9-7 record would be welcomed.
On Offense, at least, the Rams appear to have the perfect arrangement in Al Saunders at the helm. Having a veteran offensive coordinator with previous interaction with players will allow Coach Linehan more time to address the overall team schemes and priorities during the season. A healthy
Marc Bulger is a key. This will allow Marc to cut back on hurry throws and prevent the interceptions. And hopefully keep him off the ground. The addition of veteran quarterback Trent Green is just insurance for a probable disaster again. Trent is more of liability in my view but Berlin is not ready to take the lead role. The offensive unit is being shuffled as camps starts. But it does have the potential to be very good. If Barron, Incognito, Ramberg, J Bell , and
Orlando Pace stay healthy, then
Marc Bulger is going to be able to get rid of the ball quickly. This group with the rookie additions could be a top ten line.
The Rams were confident that
Steven Jackson would evolve into a top back.
Steven Jackson has provided the void at running back since the Marshall Plan was destroyed. But his hold out and consistent changes in agents is something to be desired. He has good stats for a running back. But he still has lots to prove to measure up to the great backs of this franchise. And his hold out is a distraction to the overall direction the scheme of the offensive unit . Jackson needs to be in camp to show leadership and stability. So for now it leaves us Brian Leonard and Travis Minor to carry the load in case Jackson does not return.
The Rams receiver unit is strong, led by the downfield threat of
Torry Holt and Randy McMichael.
Torry Holt is recovering from knee concerns. But still a productive threat in the Al Saunders offense. A great leader. Losing Isaac Bruce hurts but it allows others to step up to number two. McMichael needs to prove his worth just like in Miami in huge third and short schemes. With
Dane Looker being a possible deep threat and add Caldwell to the mix. Drew Bennett needs to become a redzone target. Add the rookies and we have a good group for the season.
Defensively is one area the Rams were able to upgrade with a dismal performance against the run last year finishing 25th in the league.
Jim Haslett has some work to do to make this team top ten caliber. In free agency and the draft the Rams improved by selecting Chris Long. A very good player and pro football genes. But that is all we know. Once the real games begin we will be the judge. In free agency, the Rams acquired James Hall. He should bring more pressure and allow
Leonard Little and L. Glover to pressure. How this line defends on first downs could set up the tone for the entire defense. The main concern is to keep
Leonard Little healthy. His sacks were missed and knowone made up for that more than
Will Witherspoon. Witherspoon had 7 sacks and was the leader in tackles and assists plus creating fumble opportunities. Along with Oj Atogwe's 66 tackles. Only
Brandon Chillar had more fumbles and sacks. Witherspoon was phenomenal in several games and was the only bright spot once Little was gone.
Pisa Tinoisamoa has proven to be a solid contributor, and especially is strong against the inside run.
The secondary, the Rams weakest link last year. Chavous struggled early and for a veteran has lost some speed. OJ Atogwe is clearly a free safety.His persistence to the ball is great. Fakhir Brown has the kind of speed that will make up for coverage mistakes, at left corner R Bartell, Hill and or Macklin can be assets as long as they keep gambling to a minimum.
The loss of Jeff Wilkins is monumental, Wilkins was MONEY! He will be missed. Josh Brown will have to fill huge shoes and lots of pressure to overcome to have the fans respect him like Wilkins. Wilkins was the professional and he was clutch. He will be in the ring of honor soon.
For Rams fans, it may look like the changes are not enough, but there's no need to panic.The Rams have weathered the injury storm. And are planning for a great year. New owner, new offensive coordinator, new free agents, and new VP of player personel. These are the changes for 2008-09. These are the new and improved St. Louis Rams.
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