NFC West: St. Louis Rams
The Rams Begin Their Chase To Return To The NFL Playoffs
After missing the playoffs in 2006, the St. Louis Rams have focused on winning the NFC West in 2007. Led by Marc Bulger the Rams hope to have closed the gap with Seattle
Scouting The NFC West
Predicted order of Finish: Seahawks (11-5), Rams (9-7), 49ers (8-8), Cardinals (6-10)
St. Louis Rams
In 2007 Coach Linehan tries to distance his team from the “Greatest Show on Turf” moniker by getting more physical on both sides of the ball. A talented team, but in 2006, the Rams continually lost the battle of the trenches on defense while offensively began implementing more of a power running game plan.
The Rams solidified a key position on offense by extending the contract of quarterback Marc Bulger, giving them a proven triggerman for this potentially potent offense. Look for the running back position to continue to be the focal part of the Rams attack, with Steven Jackson leading the league in total yardage from scrimmage, the Rams make it impossible to it back in a zone and defend the passing game. The passing game should flourish as the ageless Isaac Bruce and Tory “Big Game” Holt still possess the ability to put up spectacular stats from the wide receiver positions. The tight end position was upgraded with the addition of former Dolphin, Randy McMichael. When the workhorse of the offense, Steven Jackson, would tire in games last season, the drop off was noticeable. The Rams addressed this in drafting Brian Leonard in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. If this preseason is any indication the Rams will have no such problems this season.
The defensive side of the ball is where most of the questions lie in St. Louis. In 2006, teams would systematically wear down the Rams’ defense by controlling the ball (and the clock) with a grind it out running game. To remedy that tactic, the Rams made Adam Carriker their 1st round selection in the draft, Carriker a massive defensive tackle possesses enough quickness and agility that he can be moved out to defensive end if the need arises. The secondary is another problem for this defense; St. Louis has drafted defensive backs in the past, but hasn’t been able to get them to play up to their potential. This secondary could be the flaw that kept the Rams out of the playoffs in 2006, but if 3rd round pick Jonathan Wade can learn on the fly, things could be different in 2007.
Here is a look at the Rams’ 2007 schedule:
- CAR @ STL
- SF @ STL
- STL @ TB
- STL @ DAL
- ARI @ STL
- STL @ BAL
- STL @ SEA
- CLE @ STL
- BYE
- STL @ NO
- STL @ SF
- SEA @ STL
- ATL @ STL
- STL @ CIN
- GB @ STL
- PIT @ STL
- STL @ ARI
