Why are expectations so low next season for us? As a fan, I feel like I know what we're capable of, last year we dealt with coaching problems, and that's what most of our problems are. We have some real good players.
I understand that our coaching staff hasn't coached yet, but with Steve Spagnuolo as Head Coach, Pat Shurmur (one of the best young offensive minds in football) as Offensive Coordinator, and Ken Flajole (a damn good coach) as defensive coordinator. For the first time, in a Rams Head Coaching hire, I feel like we made a really good decision on bringing these guys in.
On offense, of course our focal point will be Pro Bowler Steven Jackson. And one of the things we needed to do was bring in some offensive line help. We cut Pace, but to be honest, he was living by name, it wasn't the same Pro Bowler of a few years ago. We then brought in center Jason Brown who is one of the best Centers in the league, and is at a young age, we drafted Jason Smith, whose a beast. Of course, Jason Smith hasn't played a down yet, but I feel really confident in what he'll do, especially by the reports I've read on him already. We moved Barron to Left Tackle, so our starting line will be || LT Alex Barron | LG Jacob Bell (was a very good player, hopefully the new staff can get him back to where he was, if not.. well John Greco looked like a madman last year)| C Jason Brown | RG Richie Incognito (very good player) | RT Jason Smith || While most people don't know half of these guys, we will.
Not only did we improve the offensive line, but we brought in Pro Bowl fullback Mike Karney, who was released by New Orleans. And from what I read, a lot of Saints fans were upset over this move, and really the only reason was because he didn't fit into the pass heavy scheme. He's a big bruiser, and him blocking for Jackson is going to be HUGE! We signed blocking specialist Billy Bajema from San Fransisco, and traded for WR Laurant Robinson, who before injury last year was destined to be a starter in Atlanta after his great rookie season. Word is he's looking good so far, and Donnie Avery really improved his route running, and is catching everything thrown his way. I expect a huge year from Avery.
After those acquisitions, and our current lineup, Jackson WILL have a HUGE year.
Bulger has been crap the past two seasons, and while I'm a huge critique of him, I feel this offense is going to be better suited for him (the Run Heavy/West Coast Offense), and is going to make him excel again. He's not the strongest Quarterback in the world, so the quick short - mid range passes will be very good for him.
And on defense, we signed SS James Butler from the Giants. He's not a Pro Bowler, but he's a very nice player. We franchised young up and coming FS OJ Atogwe, and also signed young stud Ron Bartell to a multi year deal. With those guys, our secondary is potentially scary, and if the...
-06-17-2009, 12:58 PM
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