These are three of the premier offensive-players in the NFL. When they are healthy and at full strength, they can put up points in bunches. Given the state of their defense, that will be a must if they want to win in 2008.
Weaknesses: This defense has all kinds of problems. They struggled to stop the pass, rush the passer, and stop the run. Their only real strength on defense was playmaking. They were tied for 10th in the NFL with interceptions with 18.
However, when you give up over 20 points in 12 of the 16 games, there is going to be problems winning games. The defense was a joke in December, giving up 33 points to Green Bay, 41 to Pittsburgh, and 48 to Arizona. No defense was playing as bad as the Rams' at the end of the season.
That was the main reason for selecting Chris Long with the second pick in the draft. Defenses are built from the defensive line out, and the Rams need to overhaul that unit. Adam Carriker can then move to defensive tackle. With Leonard Little, James Hall, and Chris Long rushing from the ends, the Rams are hoping they can put more pressure on the quarterback.
They also added Justin King in the fourth round to help in the secondary. He was an up-and-down corner at Penn State. He should be a nickel-and-dime package guy as a rookie.
However, other than Long, they really haven’t made a lot of changes to a defense that was downright awful in 2007. I still see St. Louis as one of the worst defensive teams in the NFL.
The other area of concern was the offensive line. John Greco was drafted in the third round to provide depth. They really didn’t add anyone other than him there either. If they suffer injuries like they did last year, they will struggle to maximize their skill position talent.
Finally, Trent Green was an interesting signing. They went from a bad backup in Gus Frerotte, to a guy who was among the better QBs in the league a few years ago.
However, they aren’t getting the guy that threw for over 4,500 yards in 2004. They are getting a guy that is a concussion away from retirement. If Bulger misses a lot of time, the Rams do not stand a good chance to compete in most games. I don’t think Green can hold up for more than a game or two.
Prediction: This is a team that looked to be headed in the right direction with Scott Linehan finishing 8-8 in his first year. I thought they would win the NFC West last season. This defense has absolutely collapsed, and the Rams are in need of a major overhaul.
I thought this team really struck out in the draft. I like Chris Long and think he will be a fantastic player. He may be the only player on this roster three years from now. Avery and King were real reaches in my opinion.
The Rams will do better in 2008, just because their skill-position players should stay healthy and they have the offense to score. That still means 10 losses and another top 10 pick in 2008.
St Louis Rams’ Record: 6-10—NFC West third Place; No Playoffs
4) San Francisco 49ers
‘07 Record: 5-11
Points Scored: 219 (32nd)
Points Allowed: 364 (20th)
Playoff Result: N/A
2008 Strength of Schedule: 124-132 (.484) (18th in NFL)
Strengths: Patrick Willis had as good of a rookie year as I can remember from a defensive rookie. He had 174 tackles, including back-to-back 18-tackle games against Arizona and Carolina, and a 20-tackle game against Tampa Bay.
Rarely is a rookie able to come into the NFL in his first year and put up those kinds of numbers. When you consider how little help he had around him, it was a very impressive start to what I expect will be a great career.
The 49ers have some nice pieces on defense. I already mentioned Willis. He is a player the defense can build around. Kentwan Balmer was a nice first-round pick that should give them help at defensive tackle.
Manny Lawson is a young star in the making that was limited to two games last season. If he can come back healthy, that will help the defense. Nate Clements gives them a corner to build the secondary around, and Michael Lewis is a good safety. Walt Harris gives them a good second corner.
We'd like to send you the most entertaining St Louis Rams articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
16 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete