2011 NFL Predictions: St. Louis Rams to Make NFL's Largest Leap Says NFL Network

On the NFL Network's Total Access show on July 19, Michael Lombardi selected the St. Louis Rams as the team to make the biggest leap in 2011, during a discussion with former Rams' greats Torry Holt and Kurt Warner.

In explaining his reasoning for selecting the Rams, Lombardi told Holt and Warner that:

"I'm gonna go back with your guys' old team...I'm gonna go with the Rams.  To me, Sam Bradford is gonna take that huge step forward like most quarterbacks do once they've got their feet.  As a rookie, I thought he was sensational, but this year I think he'll take that giant step, take some of the pressure off Steven Jackson...let him stay fresh for the second half."

"I know they have a very difficult schedule going down, but that NFC West is anybody's game, and I think the best quarterback is gonna win that.  I know, look, if you're gonna be a great team you gotta beat great teams, and a dome team can find ways to manufacture wins.  You guys know, in a dome your defense can stop the run.  So I think Sam Bradford is one of those guys that can follow in the footsteps and kinda take the Rams back to where they were before."

It's been awhile since the Rams received accolades of this type from around the league.  After a playoff drought dating back to 2004 and a brutal 6-42 stretch during that run, last year's 7-9 record gave reasons for fans and media alike to take notice of the Rams upward progression.

For the first time in a while, the Rams have been picked to win the NFC West by the likes of Lindy's pro football preview magazine of lindyssports.com.

Core players like Sam Bradford, Steven Jackson, James Laurinaitis, Chris Long, Ron Bartell, and Rodger Saffold, among others, will be counted on for big seasons.  Other veterans like Bradley Fletcher, Donnie Avery, and Jason Smith will make a major impact if they take a step up in their individual play this season, as some expect. 

As is the case with every team, however, rookie play is vital, too.  Rookies like Quinn and Kendricks need to make solid contributions for the Rams this season if the team is to reach its' potential.

Of interest, Warner chose the Detroit Lions to make the NFL's biggest leap while Holt went with the San Diego Chargers.

Rams fans, of course, hope Michael Lombardi hit the nail on the head with his selection of the St. Louis Rams as the team to make the biggest leap in the 2011 NFL season. 

Shane Gray is a long-time St. Louis Rams fan and covers the Rams year round. To check out the rest of his work, click: http://bleacherreport.com/users/582932-shane-gray.