St. Louis Rams: Seven Reasons for Hope

It's hard to be a Rams' fan these days.

For the past few years there has been little to cheer about.

From the decline of the Greatest Show on Turf, to the ineptitude of the previous front office, to the fiasco that was the Scott Linehan regime, to the ownership in limbo, this team has been in a downward spiral for years.

But, to turn a phrase, in the NFL what goes down will eventually come up.

Here are some reasons to believe that the Rams have bottomed out and are ready to climb the ladder once again.

Reason One: Sam Bradford

Let's start with the obvious reason.

There's a new gunslinger in town, and his name is Sam Bradford.

While it is true that there are no guarantees when a quarterback is selected first overall, here's what we do know about Bradford.

He is exceptionally accurate.

He is poised.

He is quickly gaining the respect of his teammates.

He appears to truly understand how to strike a balance between exhibiting confidence and recognizing the need to continually learn and improve.

This is a formula for success.  Rams' fans should be excited about the possibility of having a franchise quarterback.

Reason Two: Steven Jackson

When Jackson was drafted, he was a brash rookie struggling to be noticed in the shadow of future Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk.

Who would have guessed that this same player would ultimately become the most loyal, team-oriented, and respected leader on the team?

Those outside St. Louis probably don't appreciate what an asset Jackson is for the Rams. 

He is a relentless workhorse who plays through injuries and does not complain. 

He is the guy who arrives in camp in the best shape (even when coming off back surgery).

He is the first person to back the coaches after a tough loss.

Hopefully, Jackson's body will hold up long enough for him to return to the playoffs as a Ram. 

If not, his influence alone will benefit the Rams for years.

Reason Three: Offensive Line

I'm well aware that the Rams' offensive line was abysmal in its preseason debut against the Vikings.

I truly believe, though, that this unit is more than it might appear to be.

Health is the key here.

If the Rams can get continuity out of a lineup of Rodger Saffold, Jacob Bell, Jason Brown, Adam Goldberg, and Jason Smith, there is enough talent there for this to be a strength area.

Add to that mix solid blocking specialists such as Billy Bajema (TE) and Mike Karney (FB), and the Rams may finally start winning the battle for supremacy on the line of scrimmage.

Reason Four: Defenders on the Rise (Part One)

When the Rams drafted Chris Long, he was best known as Howie's son.

In his first year and a half he was a solid "plugger" who lived up to his reputation as a "high motor" guy but didn't break out as an impact player.

For the second pick in the 2008 draft, the criticism that followed was inevitable.

Then, in the second half of last year, Long came alive.  He registered five sacks in the final nine games and was always around the quarterback.

Now, with Leonard Little gone (likely to retire), Long has been handed the coveted left defensive end position. 

If you're in a fantasy league that values sacks, draft Long early.  Trust me on this one.

Reason Number Five: Defenders on the Rise (Part Two)

For all the criticism that the Rams have received for day one "misses" in the draft, the 2009 second round selection of James Laurinaitis was unquestionably a great pick.

As a rookie he became the defense's playcaller and led the team in tackles.

He's only going to get better.

While there are linebackers who are more athletic than Laurinaitis is, few have his feel for the game.  He is, in essence, a younger, taller, and heavier version of Zach Thomas. 

Laurinaitis will benefit from having veterans like Fred Robbins and Na'il Diggs around, but, make no mistake, this is J.L.'s defense, and it's in good hands.

Reason Number Six: Cornerbacks (That's Right, Cornerbacks!)

As was the case with the offensive line, health is a big caveat for this one, but...

The Rams have real talent at the cornerback position.

The anchor is Ron Bartell.  Two years ago he was on the verge of becoming one of the better cover corners in football (Larry Fitzgerald was quoted as saying he was the toughest corner he faced in the division).

Last year he took a step back while playing through a nagging leg injury.

On the other side will be Bradley Fletcher.  He was having a very strong rookie campaign last year before he was derailed by a knee injury.  But he's now on the mend, and hopes are high.

Finally, there's Jerome Murphy.  He is a rookie with an attitude.  He likes to hit.  To put it mildly, he's exactly what the Rams need on defense.

All of this may prove moot if the pass rush does not improve.  But, if the Rams can pressure opposing quarterbacks and make them throw the ball, the corners could become playmakers for the defense.

Reason Number Seven: Stan Kroenke

If all goes as expected, Stan Kroenke will become the Rams' majority owner in the next week.

Don't underestimate the impact of this transaction.

The Rams' ownership has been in a state of flux for years.  While a team can survive under these conditions, it is difficult to thrive.

Kroenke has demonstrated that, as an owner, he cares about winning and knows what it takes to build a successful franchise.

I strongly believe that Kroenke will wish to make an impact shortly after taking control.  While he won't be able to impact the 2010 roster, I would expect the Rams to be more aggressive in the 2011 market.

"It all starts at the top," the cliche goes...

Kroenke will prove this adage is true.

There IS Hope

Was it really that long ago that the Rams went from 3-13 to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in the span of one year?

Perhaps that will never happen again.

Then again, as fans, shouldn't we always hold out hope that improvement is right around the corner?

I believe the 2010 Rams will show some real improvement and win between five and seven games. 

Modest hopes, no doubt, but that's only part one of the story.

If the Rams can develop their current talent and then add the right pieces (a big WR, a pass rushing DE, a tough outside LB), 2011 could be a very interesting year.

The Rams' stock is on the rise, and I'm buying futures.