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TSN Rams Report
By Jim Thomas
PLUS FACTORS: The receiving unit remains one of the league's best. The skills of Isaac Bruce, 31, don't appear to be diminishing, and Torry Holt has reached the elite level. But the real news is the depth that has developed in the form of Dane Looker, Shaun McDonald, Kevin Curtis and Mike Furrey. McDonald, in particular, had a strong preseason. The young linebackers appear poised to break out. MLB Robert Thomas and OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa have superior speed and instincts but must stay healthy and play smarter. OLB Tommy Polley has been in the doghouse much of the preseason but remains an asset in coverage. Not only is Leonard Little a premier pass rusher, he's also among the top all-around ends and can change a game single-handedly. No lineman in the league has better pursuit skills. Even if RB Marshall Faulk has trouble staying healthy, rookie Steven Jackson has showed he can be an exciting replacement.
MINUS SIDE: The offensive line is a mess.
LT Orlando Pace missed all of camp for the second straight year in a contract squabble; C Dave Wohlabaugh (hip) was released after failing a physical; and RT Kyle Turley (back) is out for the season. Grant Williams, Turley's likely replacement, isn't physically gifted but should be solid. Andy McCollum, the starter at left guard last year, will play center. The left guard is Chris Dishman, who was talked out of retirement and needs time to round into shape. The defensive line is thin after the loss RE Grant Wistrom and DT Brian Young as free agents and the loss of reserve DT Jimmy Kennedy (foot) for much of the season. Fullback and tight end were problem areas a year ago, and little has changed. FB Joey Goodspeed and TE Brandon Manumaleuna had good camps but remain unproven. The loss of CB Travis Fisher (arm) for most of the year puts pressure on a young corner (DeJuan Groce or Kevin Garrett) to come through. The team may have to consider moving FS Aeneas Williams to corner.
THOMAS' BOTTOM LINE: At the start of training camp, this team had fewer questions than the 2003 squad that finished 12-4. But injuries at key positions have changed that outlook. Without a healthy, proven line, the team won't score as it did last season. As a result, the Rams are looking at a 9-7 or 10-6 record and will be scrambling to make the playoffs.
By Jim Thomas
PLUS FACTORS: The receiving unit remains one of the league's best. The skills of Isaac Bruce, 31, don't appear to be diminishing, and Torry Holt has reached the elite level. But the real news is the depth that has developed in the form of Dane Looker, Shaun McDonald, Kevin Curtis and Mike Furrey. McDonald, in particular, had a strong preseason. The young linebackers appear poised to break out. MLB Robert Thomas and OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa have superior speed and instincts but must stay healthy and play smarter. OLB Tommy Polley has been in the doghouse much of the preseason but remains an asset in coverage. Not only is Leonard Little a premier pass rusher, he's also among the top all-around ends and can change a game single-handedly. No lineman in the league has better pursuit skills. Even if RB Marshall Faulk has trouble staying healthy, rookie Steven Jackson has showed he can be an exciting replacement.
MINUS SIDE: The offensive line is a mess.
LT Orlando Pace missed all of camp for the second straight year in a contract squabble; C Dave Wohlabaugh (hip) was released after failing a physical; and RT Kyle Turley (back) is out for the season. Grant Williams, Turley's likely replacement, isn't physically gifted but should be solid. Andy McCollum, the starter at left guard last year, will play center. The left guard is Chris Dishman, who was talked out of retirement and needs time to round into shape. The defensive line is thin after the loss RE Grant Wistrom and DT Brian Young as free agents and the loss of reserve DT Jimmy Kennedy (foot) for much of the season. Fullback and tight end were problem areas a year ago, and little has changed. FB Joey Goodspeed and TE Brandon Manumaleuna had good camps but remain unproven. The loss of CB Travis Fisher (arm) for most of the year puts pressure on a young corner (DeJuan Groce or Kevin Garrett) to come through. The team may have to consider moving FS Aeneas Williams to corner.
THOMAS' BOTTOM LINE: At the start of training camp, this team had fewer questions than the 2003 squad that finished 12-4. But injuries at key positions have changed that outlook. Without a healthy, proven line, the team won't score as it did last season. As a result, the Rams are looking at a 9-7 or 10-6 record and will be scrambling to make the playoffs.
