NFL Team-By-Team Previews - St. Louis Rams

Over the next several weeks we will be previewing every single team for the 2009 NFL Season. We will cover one team a day, and start today with the St. Louis Rams.



2008 Recap

Record: 2-14, 4th in NFC-West

Best Game: Week 7, Vs. Dallas. 34-14
The Rams had a terrible start to the year, going 0-4 over the first four weeks. Week 5 was their bye week, and they fired Head Coach Scott Linehan. Interim coach Jim Haslett seemed to have corrected their course, winning in week 6 and then drubbed Dallas in week 7. Three 1st Quarter TDs (Bulger pass, two Jackson runs) proved to be all the offense they needed in this one, but they tacked on another 17 points to cruise to an easy victory. Steven Jackson ended the day with 3 TDs on 160 yards rushing, and Marc Bulger had a QB Rat. of 119.0.

Worst Game: Week 10, @ NY Jets. 3-47
In a train wreck of a ball game, the Rams gave up 40 points in the first half, and didn't act like they wanted to win the game throughout. Thomas Jones' run with just under 11 minutes left in the 1st quarter was all the Jets needed to beat the Rams, but they didn't stop there. With Jackson sidelined due to a thigh injury and Bulger splitting time with Trent Green was too much for the Rams to overcome in a 44-point drubbing.

MVP: Oshiomogho Atogwe
Oshi had a very solid season for the Rams, registering 85 tackles, 6 forced fumbles and 5 interceptions. He was named team MVP by the coaches after the season, and this year looks to lead the defense to a better record.


The Offseason

Significant Losses:

- Torry Holt - WR: Released March 13th
One of the best WRs in Rams history, Holt was released due to a combination of things, including falling out of favor with the exec's and the money the team would save. On top of all his accolades as a Rams WR, the most impressive thing about him may be his endurance; he's missed two games out of a possible 176.

- Orlando Pace - OT: Released March 10th
The former #1 overall pick of the '97 draft is an extreme talent, but also extremely fragile. In 2006, he tore his triceps on Nov. 12th game, ending his season. In 2007, Pace was injured in the very first game and did not play again. Last season the big OT appeared in 14 games, his most since 2005. The Rams saved $6 Million by releasing him.

- Pisa Tinoisamoa - LB: Released May 8th
It was a surprise move when the Rams released Tino, their leading tackler in 2008. Releasing him saved $2.25M in cap space, but that amount doesn't seem to off-set the difference he made on the field for them last season. Perhaps he didn't see eye-to-eye with new Head Coach Spagnuolo, or Spag's defensive scheme didn't need a player like him, but this was a questionable move regardless.

Significant Additions:

- Steve Spagnuolo - Head Coach: Signed January 17th
Of all the pickups the Rams could have made, none would have been more significant that taking the Ex-Giants Defensive Coordinator away from New York. Spagnuolo is a tough-minded individual, and was a great hire in my opinion. It may take him a couple of years to get this team in playoff contention, because after all, this time has won only five games the last two years. The bigger question may be how long his window of improvement and opportunity remains open.

Draft Picks:
Round 1, Pick 2: Jason Smith -- OT -- Baylor
Round 2, Pick 3: James Laurinatis -- LB -- Ohio State
Round 3, Pick 2: Bradley Fletcher -- CB -- Iowa
Round 4, Pick 3: Dorell Scott -- DT -- Clemson
Round 5, Pick 24: Brooks Foster -- WR -- North Carolina
Round 6, Pick 23: Keith Null -- QB -- West Texas A&M
Round 7, Pick 2: Chris Ogbonnaya -- RB -- Texas

Grade: B-
The Rams top two picks were great selections, and after losing Tinoisomoa, Laurinatis may get a chance to play immediately. Brooks Foster seems a little over-rated to me, as I believe he benefited from the double teams that then-teammate Hasheem Nicks received constantly.

Training Camp Report

- The Rams had all of their draft picks signed by July 30th, making sure to get them all in camp.

- Guard Greco had some cramping problems on the first day of practice and sat out, but it isn't thought to be anything serious.

- Spagnuolo has been pleased with the abilities of WR Ronald Curry, both as a WR and especially as a kick returner.

- Neither Laurinatis nor Smith worked out with the first team in the early going. Both will have to earn starter's spots.

- The Pads were put on during the practices on August 1st, with big hits being made from the 1st stringers on down.

- WR Keenan Burton has impressed, making a notable leaping catch over CB Tye Hill on 8/3.

- After the 8/5 morning session, Spagnuolo demanded more tempo out of his team. He later said he was pleased with it overall, but is always looking for improvement.

- Rookie RB Chris Ogbonnaya has looked smooth catching the ball, and isn't afraid to get physical.

- Both kickers are reportedly "kicking the stuffing out of the ball" according to the Rams official site.

2009 Outlook

Best Case Scenario:
Bulger and Jackson stay healthy, the lines improve, and Donnie Avery improves on his 53 catch, 674 yard, 3 TD line from a year ago. Another WR emerges and and Rams battle for a playoff spot.

Worst Case Scenario:
Injuries deplete the team again, Spagnuolo struggles to get his scheme to work with the current group of players, and no WR outside of Avery has more than 30 catches. The team picks top 5 again next season.

Prediction: 5-11, 4th in NFC-West



Next Report -- New England Patriots