St Louis Rams Predictions
June 25, 2008
In the Rams’ 70-year history, only seven teams have finished with three or fewer victories. The Rams got crushed by division rival Arizona 48-19 in the regular season finale to finish with a dismal 3-13 record. It was the franchise’s worst record in 13 seasons. Many would be surprised to hear that Scott Linehan is back as their head coach in 2008. But with the injuries suffered to the Rams last year, it’s hard to peg all the blame on Linehan. Dick Vermeil was 9-23 in his first two seasons as Rams’ coach before winning a Super Bowl in his third year. It’s certain that Linehan won’t be so fortunate as we give you our 2008 St. Louis Rams predictions below.
Offense:
Marc Bulger, hampered by injuries in 2007, finished with career lows in completion percentage, TD passes and passer rating last year. He also finished with more interceptions (15) than TD passes (11) for the first time in his career. Bulger has been sacked 153 times since 2004, the most by any NFL starter. This could be a big factor as to why his numbers are dropping in a hurry. The Rams signed veteran Trent Green to give them an insurance blanket in case Bulger suffers another injury in 2008.
Steven Jackson is one of the best backs in the league when healthy. Despite missing four games last year, Jackson scampered for more than 1,000 yards rushing for a third straight season. Linehan wants Jackson to be the focal point of the offense again this year, but lack of depth at the position and his durability is a major concern. Antonio Pittman, who is the preferred backup and Brian Leanord each must compete for more carries. Travis Minor is available and Richard Owens is a solid blocker at fullback.
Age and injuries have crushed the Rams’ receiving corps. Once the team’s biggest strength, the receivers are now a big question mark. Torry Holt remains a top-notch pass catcher, but knee problems have cost him a threat and he lacks the speed he used to display every Sunday. Isaac Bruce has moved on to NFC West rival San Francisco, making the way for Drew Bennet as the team’s No. 2 receiver. Bennett was a disappointment in his first year. Reche Caldwell could see more playing time, but the team needs more speed at this position to stretch the field. Tight end Randy McMichael had 39 catches last season, but that’s not enough for a Rams’ tight end.
The line was crushed by injuries in ‘07 and allowed 48 sacks as a result. But their run-blocking wasn’t any better, as Rams’ running backs averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. Left tackle Orlando Pace is still one of the best in the business. But he has played in only nine of the Rams’ last 32 games. Right tackle Alex Brown is inconsistent and injury-prone. Left guard Mark Setterstrom has nine starts in two years. Center Brett Romberg has made just 12 starts in two years. Right guard Richie Incognite has started 20 games in the past two years. The Rams hope they added some stability when signing left guard Jacob Bell from Tennessee. Adam Goldberg and Brandon Gorin will also see playing time if the injury bug comes back around.
Defense:
St. Louis was in need of a pass-rushing specialist and they think they got it from No. 1 pick Chris Long. Leonard Little returns, but he’s 34 and recorded only 1 sack last season. The entire defensive line produced just 5.5 sacks between them last year. Right end James Hall was solid, but just 2.5 sacks and zero forced fumbles is unacceptable for a full season’s work. Adam Carriker was a decent rookie at nose tackle. Let’s see if Howie Long’s son can step in and dominate right away as a sacker.
Will Witherspoon had a Pro Bowl-caliber year in ‘07 with 110 tackles and seven sacks to lead the Rams in both categories. The Rams will try and find more ways to free up Witherspoon this season. Pisa Tinoisamoa is a playmaker on the weak side. Veteran Chris Draft or second-year man Quinton Culberson could step into the starting role on the outside.
Fakhir Brown is a solid cover corner and sure tackler to lead this secondary. Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe is a ball-hawker, but his strong safety in Corey Chavous allows too many broken tackles, resulting in big plays for the opposition. Corner Tye hill has shown progress, but missed half of the ‘07 season with back and wrist injuries. Ron Bartell, Todd Johnson and Jonathan Wade are all reserves who could see significant playing time.
Info Plays 2008 St. Louis Rams Predictions
Injuries to the offensive line crippled this team in ‘07. Marc Bulger may never be the same as he hears footsteps every time he drops back in the pocket. The Rams have one of the worst defensive lines in the league, but the addition of Chris Long will eventually help the problem. With the Rams losing the battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball in most games, it’s tough to see how this team can be competitive in 2008. The Seahawks and 49ers will beat up the Rams up front, while the Cardinals have the charisma to beat up their secondary. It showed with a 48-19 Cardinals’ victory over the Rams in the ‘07 season finale. St. Louis fans will have to wait another year for this team to be competitive as the Rams finish dead last in the NFC West division.