The Rams had a decent first season under Linehan, finishing 8-8. They looked like a team that was transitioning well to a new style of offense, and a team that had a much improved defense. Year two under Scott Linehan didn't go quite as well, as the Rams finished 3-13 in an injury-plagued season. Management made a good decision by being patient in the fast-paced NFL by keeping Linehan. I don't think all the blame of last season should go to him.
This year, however, should be the make or break year for him in St. Louis. The Rams once again drafted a defensive lineman in the first round, which may or may not solidify their defensive line. Chris Long should transition well, and keeping Adam Carriker where they think he will have the biggest impact, in the middle of line, are all good.
However, the other part of the line has an aging Leonard Little and an aging La'Roi Glover. So the question remains: Can these men, at very opposite ends of the spectrum as their careers go, mesh to make a pass-rushing, run-stopping line that the Rams really haven't had since moving to St. Louis?
The play of the defensive line could very well affect the play for their whole defense. It would put a lot less pressure on the secondary, and allow the linebackers to play where they are needed on given plays. It would also make the focus a little less on making up for the lack of a pass rush. Everyone still has to do their job, but the defensive line they have invested so much into needs to perform.
The offense may be a little less of a concern, but if the offensive line doesn't stay healthy, they might as well call it a season. No matter how good they get at stopping people, if they can't put points on the board, it won't matter. They are in their first season in a long time without Jeff Wilkins to give them the comfort of points even when they don't get in the end zone. It will be interesting to see if they can have that same comfort in a new kicker, and if it puts more pressure on the offense or not.
Also, in the first season without Isaac Bruce, will Drew Bennett be able to carry the load? Running back and quarterback are not a concern, as long as they stay healthy, which largely rides on the ability of the offensive line to perform and stay healthy.
Will this be the first winning season for the Rams under Scott Linehan, or will they yet again under achieve, and be forced to find another coach to bring stability to this team.
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