NFL Preview: St. Louis Rams

by Kyle Smith, Doberman On The Diamond

2006 Recap

In 2006, the St. Louis Rams finished 8-8, despite a defense that was 2nd to last in run defense, and 23rd overall. The other side of the ball proved much more potent, ranking 6th overall in the NFL, and 4th in passing.

Offense

Offensively, the Rams remain one of the NFL's best units. In 2006, the squad featured 3 Pro Bowlers in QB Marc Bulger, RB Steven Jackson and WR Torry Holt. OT Orlando Pace was on his way to Hawaii once again until a torn triceps muscle ended his season prematurely.

2007 should feature an even better offense. The team had a full season and off-season to digest head coach Scott Linehan's offense, and a good mixture of youngsters and veterans. St. Louis added two more pieces to the puzzle this off-season in WR Drew Bennett, who Tennessee inexplicably let go, and TE Randy McMichael, who promises to be the best receiving tight end the team has had since coming to St. Louis.

Bulger is one of football's most underrated players and he should continue to improve as he plays into his prime. RB Steven Jackson is a complete player who had his breakout campaign last year, and his stated goal of 2,500 yards is a lofty one, but not out of reach. He can do it all, whether it be running or catching, as his 90 receptions last year proved. The Rams also have a dynamic WR duo in Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, with Bennett added to the mix to play the slot and be a red zone target.

The offensive line is young and somewhat unproven, but there is talent there. Orland Pace remains the anchor of the line at left tackle, and in the middle is 2nd year left guard Mark Setterstrom to go with the nasty disposition of 3rd year right guard Richie Incognito, who is becoming a premier player. At right tackle is former 1st round pick Alex Barron, an athletic freak who needs to play smarter in order to make the leap from good to outstanding. The center position is currently in flux, and will feature a training camp battle between youngster Brett Romberg and vet Andy McCollum.

Defense

Defensively, the Rams were poor last year, they couldn't stop the run to save their lives, and teams took advantage of that to keep their offense off the field. St. Louis hopes to improve at least to average this year with some personnel changes.

The Rams drafted DT Adam Carriker in the first round and have anointed him the starter. Early training camp reviews have been very positive, and if he turns out to be as good as advertised, he will end the team's long-standing failure to draft decent defensive linemen. The other DT spot will probably feature a rotation of LaRoi Glover and youngster Claude Wroten, who has loads of talent but dropped to the 3rd round of the '06 draft due to his penchant for inhaling weed.

At end, Leonard Little remains their best playmaker and once again featured double digit sacks, and the team picked up James Hall from the Lions to man the other spot, hoping he gives them a boost that has been missing from that position.

Linebacker is a position that the Rams decided to feature speed instead of brawn, and they have two very quick players in WLB Pisa Tinoisamoa and MLB Will Witherspoon. Both are quick and good in coverage, but can be overwhelmed when blockers come at them. At SLB, Brandon Chillar is an okay player but may be pushed for his job by free agent signee Chris Draft.

The defensive backfield is very young, but very promising. SS Corey Chavous is the elder statesman and leader, and at FS is O.J. Atogwe, a playmaker who forced a number of fumbles last year. The corner positon is led by last year's 1st round pick Tye Hill, a short (5'10") player, but one with blazing speed. Also at corner is young Ron Bartell and Fahkir Brown, a nice player who was suspended the first 4 games of the year for missing a drug test.

Coaching Staff

Scott Linehan is the Rams head coach, and he did an admirable job in 2006, finishing 8-8, but whether or not he can improve the team in his 2nd year on the job remains to be seen. Jim Haslett is the defensive coordinator, and the former head coach is demanding and has an aggressive defensive scheme. His unit needs to improve for the team to have a shot at the playoffs. Greg Olsen runs the show on offense, and did a very good job calling plays after Linehan gave him the duties mid-way through last season's campaign.

Off the Field Antics

The Rams have not had too much trouble off the field in year's past, but did have two players arrested from the end of last season to this year's training camp. TE Dominique Byrd was jailed twice, once for allegedly hitting a man in the head with a beer bottle at a St. Louis nightclub, and the other for DUI. Also arrested was DT Claude Wroten, though the details are somewhat murky. He was taken in by LSU campus police after allegedly kicking down his girlfriend's door when she broke up with him to take back some of his things.

Fantasy Impact

Fantasy wise, this team has a lot to offer. Steven Jackson should be the 2nd or 3rd pick in every draft, Torry Holt is one of the game's top wideouts, and Marc Bulger consistently puts up good fantasy numbers. Just don't draft their defense.

Cheerleaders

As would be expected, the team features some attractive options for NFL cameramen to creepily stare at. Especially fitness instructor Kate A. (pictured), who will probably be calling me for a date once she finds out I honored her with a mention in a blog.

Prediction

The Rams are an intriguing team in a suddenly much more competitive NFC West. It all comes down to how their defense performs. We know they are going to light up the scoreboard, but if the can't stop anybody, it may not matter much. I expect a slight improvement on that side of the ball to the tune of a 9-7 record, and contention for a wild card spot.

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