St. Louis Rams 2008 Season Preview

St. Louis Rams Preview: Overview

Last season was the worst the St. Louis Rams had faced since arriving in St. Louis. Virtually every position took a hit with injuries, and the St. Louis Rams limped out of the season with a dismal 3-13 record. The St. Louis Rams are returning a healthy team in 2008, ready to take on tough opponents like the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys and the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

St. Louis Rams Preview: Offseason

The St. Louis Rams made Chris Long the second-overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. In his senior season at Virginia, Chris Long, who is the son of Hall of Fame DE Howie Long, was considered one of the most dominant defensive players in college football. Chris Long’s tenacious play earned him ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Though Chris Long is making the switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense, St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Jim Haslett is impressed with Chris Long’s performance in organized team activities. The St. Louis Rams hope that Chris Long will be an asset on their new-look defensive line, especially with his ability to terrorize quarterbacks.

Also taken in the draft was WR Donne Avery from Houston. With Isaac Bruce being cut by the St. Louis Rams a downfield receiver to line up in the slot and compliment Drew Bennett and Torry Holt was desperately needed. Donnie Avery is a speedy receiver that will do well in the slot for the St. Louis Rams, giving Marc Bulger an excellent target downfield.

St. Louis Rams Preview: Offense

Though the St. Louis Rams offensive line suffered through key injuries in 2007 there is a chance for an improvement. Barring an injury to gifted lineman Orlando Pace, Alex Barron can move to his most effective position, right tackle. NFL-ready rookies John Greco and Roy Shuening will also battle for spots on the offensive line. There is nowhere to go but up for the St. Louis Rams offensive line. New offensive coordinator Al Saunders will need his linemen in tip-top shape in order to establish a power rushing game with Steven Jackson as the featured back.

Al Saunders and Scott Linehan have both produced MVP quarterbacks with their offensive schemes and creative play calls. This, coupled with the return of the offensive line’s premier blocker Orlando Pace, means that Marc Bulger has a chance to put up big numbers in 2008. Marc Bulger struggled in 2007 throwing 15 interceptions to only 11 touchdowns, but his numbers should rise again if the St. Louis Rams offensive line can remain healthy.

St. Louis Rams Preview: Defense

The St. Louis Rams return with a new-look defensive line that will put more pressure on the quarterback and do a better job of stopping the run. The St. Louis Rams new defensive line will give the defensive backs and linebackers enough time to make plays on the ball. Chris Long will join Leonard Little and La’Roi Glover in leading the St. Louis Rams pass rush. LB Will Witherspoon led the St. Louis Rams in tackles and will return in 2008 to bully opposing running backs.

St. Louis Rams: Special Teams

With the retirement of K Jeff Wilkins, the St. Louis Rams signed K Josh Brown who they hope will have better range. Josh Brown is coming off of his best scoring season with the Seattle Seahawks and has scored over 100 points in all of his five seasons. KR Dante Hall suffered a high ankle sprain that put him out of commission for the better part of the second half of the season. Derek Stanley and Donnie Avery are expected to help in the kick return duties on special teams.

St. Louis Rams Preview: Outlook

The St. Louis Rams will feature a lot of young players, and that bodes well for their future. However, the St. Louis Rams open the 2008 season with their first seven games against teams who went .500 or better in 2007. Five of their first seven games are against 2007 playoff teams including both Super Bowl contenders the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. If the young St. Louis Rams can hold it together, they can make a big push in the last nine games of the season. The future of the St. Louis Rams hinges on how healthy the team can remain through 2008. One thing is certain, the St. Louis Rams are ready to rock the Edward Jones Dome well into the 2008 season.